Fishing boat rescue
A fishing boat was towed back to Rye Harbour after getting into difficulty on Sunday, January 19. A crew from RNLI Dungeness were called to the vessel which was unable to move because of a fouled propellor about two miles off the coast.
Mark Corbett, coxswain-afloat-mechanic, said the launch was to assist the local boat to a safe anchorage. “The casualty had done everything correctly before calling for assistance and made the evening easy for the crew. We used this tasking as valuable training experience to keep us up to our training requirements, a success all round. We hope the casualty gets their propellor issues resolved as soon as possible.”
Due to the level of tide, the lifeboat was unable to tow the fishing vessel to its berth, but arrangements were made with Rye harbour master James Bateman when the tide was higher later the same evening.
First meeting in 2025
This Monday, January 27 sees the first full meeting of Rye Town Council. The agenda includes a discussion on Rye Town Council’s budget for 2025/26 and a potential rise in the precept from £130.83 to £144.33 for a band D council tax payer. The council expects to take in £284,000 from the tax – other income includes an expected £29,000 from ceremonies.
Next year’s budget includes £188,000 for staffing (taking into account the rise in employer’s NI contributions), £26,000 set aside for Rye Leisure Centre, £25,000 towards providing services Rother District Council no longer funds, and £25,000 on public conveniences. Rye’s toilets are also on the agenda, along with making the annual town meeting more informal and the rent for Rye Rugby Club at the Freda Gardham playing fields.
Councillors will also consider grant requests for a welcome sign and new notice boards in Tilling Green and for a Wheelyboat for Rye Harbour Sailability.
More details on the town council’s website.
The meeting starts at 6:30pm at the town hall. Rye News will have a full report in next week’s paper.
Big deficit
Sussex Police faces a £5m budget deficit, even if it increases its council tax precept by the maximum allowed – writes Local Democracy reporter Karen Dunn.
During a meeting on Thursday, January 16 the police and crime commissioner, Katy Bourne, was told that, without a 5.5% increase in 2025/26, the shortfall would be £14m.
If approved by Mrs Bourne, the rise would give the force a “fighting chance” to balance its budget, while adding another £14 to a band D property.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “There is a stark reality to this that, should we not get further investment, then we will have to make some incredibly difficult choices about what, as a force, we do and don’t do. Looking forward, we face a significant challenge – there is little doubt on that. Crime demand continues to grow, not just in volume but also in complexity. We have one of the lowest funding pots per head of population and it is incredibly tricky looking forward.”
Order extended
The public safety protection order put in place by Rother District Council has been extended for a further three years. The order bans begging and rough sleeping in Rye, restricts drinking alcohol in public spaces in Camber, and bans cars and camping on any of the beaches in the district.
You can read the full order here.
Following up
The Cancer Cafe launch on Monday, January 13 at the Hub on Rye Hill was deemed an overwhelming success by the 20 people in attendance, bringing together a community with their cancer stories and personal journeys or loss of loved ones.
Organiser Chris Pollard said there were many stories. “It was humbling listening and hearing what the attendees shared, and tears were shed, the challenges, the lack of support. Defiance and resilience shone through, ‘Cancer will not beat me’. One attendee mentioned ‘This is so needed – I realise I am not alone.’”
The next Cancer Cafe is on February 10.
Sports news
It was a two-all draw away to Sandhurst for Rye Town FC on Saturday, January 18. Liam Sayer and Bailey Phillipse scoring for Rye. The team are currently in second place in the Premier Division of the East Sussex Football League.
This weekend Rye travel to the village of Punnets Town in the ESFL Challenge Cup on Saturday, January 25. Kick off at the recreation ground is at 2pm.
From the what’s on diary
Finally, a reminder…
Rye News will be at Beckley Farmer’s Market on Sunday, January 26. Come along and say hello to find out more about the paper, suggest stories you’d like to see, and discuss how to get involved.
It’s the first of a series of events we will be attending. If you would like us to be part of your event, do get in touch.
Our email is info@ryenews.org.uk.
Image Credits: Angus Kirk CC , RNLI/SDarah Beck , Ian Taylor CC , Sussex Police , Juliet Duff , rawpixel CC .