News in brief April 25

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Sworn in

Mayor of Winchelsea Peter Cosstick being sworn in

Peter Cosstick has been sworn in as mayor of Winchelsea for a second year. The ceremony took place at St Thomas’s church on Easter Monday, April 21.

Rye News will have a full interview with the mayor in coming weeks.

A new threat

Asian Hornet confirmed in Appledore

One of the first sightings of Asian Hornets in the UK this year took place in Appledore on Monday, April 14. The National Bee Unit confirmed the sighting after the insect flew into a greenhouse in the village.

Yellow-legged hornets, which are a danger to bees, were spotted last year in Rye Harbour

Time to vote

Kent County Council

There are no elections for East Sussex County Council this year because of local government reorganisation, however in Kent voters go to the polls next week on Thursday, May 1. 81 seats are being contested including these two local seats: Romney Marsh and Tenterden (covering Wittersham and Appledore). Rye News will have the results next week.

These are the confirmed candidates on the ballot.

Romney Marsh
COOPER, Tony – Labour and Co-operative Party
FULLER, Gary Liberal Democrats
HILLS, Tony – The Conservative Party Candidate
WATKINSON, Malcolm – The Green Party
WIMBLE, David – Reform UK

Tenterden
BELL, Neil – Conservative Party
COXALL, Alexander John – Liberal Democrats
WARD, David John – Labour Party
PULLEN, Guy Alexander – Green Party
CHAPMAN, Wayne – Reform UK
CHAMBERS, Martin Gordon – Heritage Party

The new wood

Brian Griffiths and Elize Manning from Rother District Council in Mason’s Field

More details have been given about the new ‘micro-wood’ on Mason’s Field in Rye. Mayor Andy Stuart joined residents, volunteers and staff from Rother District Council to plant 1,000 trees to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

A spokesperson for the council said the wood is also known as a Miyawaki Forest. “The creation of the wood involved densely planting a variety of native tree and shrub saplings on an area around the size of a tennis court. It replicates the natural process of forest regeneration, promotes fast growth, increases resilience and reduces the need for ongoing maintenance.”

No trains 

‘Rush hour’ at Rye railway station with trains about to depart in both directions.

The rail line between Ashford and Hastings will be closed this weekend April 26 and 27, with no trains to or from Rye.

The closure is to allow a range of essential works along the line including replacement of some rails and sleepers; re-ballasting; level crossing works; structural examinations: vegetation clearance, and clearance of litter and graffiti.

Shut for a night

The main road through Rye will be closed overnight next Monday into Tuesday April 28/29. Drainage work will see a closure in place from 8pm until 5am between Skinners Roundabout to the Kettle O’Fish on the A259.

The same road was closed after a crash and fuel spill on Monday afternoon and evening April 21.

This weekend

There are plenty of events in the Rye News What’s on Diary this weekend.

On Saturday, April 25 it’s Rye Mobility Awareness Day to highlight issues of accessibility in Rye. Campaigners are starting their tour around the town at the Tilling Green Community Centre at 10am, finishing at the Bowls Club. You can read more about some of the problems faced by wheelchair users in Rye here.

This Sunday, it’s the Rye Bowls Club Open Day, which starts at 2pm on The Salts. The club has been facing an uncertain future because of council budget cuts but starts the 2025 season with a large increase in membership and big plans for the clubhouse and green.

Both well worth supporting. Details below and Rye News will have full reports on both events next week.

Image Credits: KT Bruce , Kt bruce , National Bee Unit , KCC , James Stewart , Chris Lawson .

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