News in brief March 15

Here’s a roundup of some of the other stories making the news in Rye this week.

Vandalised memorial to first world war airfield replaced

The memorial commemorating Rye’s former military airfield has now been restored after being destroyed by vandals in November 2022. The plaque, which was first put in place in 2019, marks the location of the landing ground that was used during the first world war from 1916 to 1919.

Kenneth Bannerman from the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust who arranged the memorial’s replacement says it is vital we continue to honour not just the place but also the people who served at the Rye airfield. “It may look just like a field now, but Rye and the aircraft who used it as a base played a hugely important role in the nation’s defence. I was horrified to hear the plaque had been destroyed and so pleased it to see it replaced.”

You can find the memorial on the Camber Road. The former airfield was located to the right of the road between the first two bends after leaving the main road. More on the history of Rye’s air history and the original memorial plaque in this Rye News article.

Latest landslip

Military Road may have reopened after the recent landslips, but a further collapse closed Dumb Woman’s Lane on Thursday, March 6. The road is still shut between Udimore Road and Float Lane. Investigations continue into the Military Road landslips, with traffic lights controlling part of the road until at least the end of May.

Air ambulance in attendance

The air ambulance landed near the Camber road at the weekend after a car ended up in a ditch. A helicopter from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex arrived at the scene at 1pm on Saturday, March 9. The crew worked with emergency workers from Sussex Police and SECAmb to treat the patient at the scene, before they were transported to a major trauma centre by air.

Tributes to local GP and Pett Level Rescue Boat founder member

Rye News was very sad to hear of the passing of Dr Adrian Head, founder member, crew member and friend of Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB). Adrian was a popular local GP and his support of PLIRB was widely appreciated. He was full of fun, enthusiasm and a great family man.

His funeral will be at Hastings Crematorium on April 11 at 11am. We will have a full tribute in Rye News in coming weeks and send our condolences to his family.

Four stars for Rye take-away

The owner of Yummies on Landgate in Rye is celebrating after his efforts to improve the hygiene standards at the take-away were rewarded with a four star rating. Having received a nought at the last inspection, the establishment was given measures to improve the situation. Adil Varli says he’s delighted his hard work has been recognised.

This weekend

Rye Bonfire Society has a fundraiser on Friday, March 15. Two months on from the last Abba singalong, the Mamma Mia 2 movie night is at the Rye Community Centre starting at 7.30pm.

Also on Friday, March 15 Winchelsea Literary Society welcomes Henry Normal to the New Hall at 7:30pm. The poet’s appearance follows previous speakers Ian McEwan, Charles Moore and Sir Anthony Seldon. Henry, who lives in Fairlight, is in the middle of a nationwide tour with fellow poet Brian Bilston. If you missed him at Bexhill at the beginning of the year, this is your chance to hear him read his poetry. As well as writing and radio, Henry set up Baby Cow Productions with Steve Coogan and won a BAFTA for ‘services to television’.

Get in touch

If you see anything happening in and around Rye our email is info@ryenews.org.uk.
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Image Credits: Julia Anderson , James Stewart , Dave Pellen , Brendan Towner , Head family archive , Kt bruce , Natasha Robinson .