Our weekly round-up of some of the other stories making the news in Rye.
More water problems
With heavy rain and strong winds this week, the trains through Rye have already been affected. On Monday, October 30 there was no service for much of the day and late in the evening, after a landslip approaching Ore tunnel.
In Winchelsea Beach, tankers are in place to support the Morlais Ridge pumping station. Southern Water told the parish council the tankers were needed to maintain water flow in the village.
Meanwhile heavy rain has also flooded the caravan site and playing fields at Winchelsea Beach.
Public toilet closures – more information
The toilets on the Strand and in the Gun Gardens close for the winter on Monday, November 13. The closures are due to cost cutting at Rother District Council, which has now published some more information about what’s happening. You can read it here.
Ticket office to stay open
Proposals to change the opening hours at Rye railway station have been thrown out. The plans, which would have seen passengers rely on apps and the ticket machine for much of the day and at weekends, were abandoned by the government after a vociferous campaign. Hastings and Rye MP Sally Ann Hart said: “After campaigning to ministers about the proposed changes (especially concerning for Rye), I am delighted to have been told by the Department for Transport that the secretary of state, Mark Harper, and the rail minister, Huw Merriman, have taken on my concerns and those of residents. This means that all our local railway stations will carry on as normal.”
Beach clean up
The Gallivant in Camber has organised another community beach clean. It’s on Tuesday, November 7 between 10am and noon. The restaurant says: “Keeping our local beach clean, tidy and safe for wildlife (and visitors) is a cause close to our hearts.” They’re offering brunch buns and drinks for those taking part in the event. “It’s free to join, but please RSVP so we can ensure we have enough equipment and food for everyone.” www.thegallivant.co.uk
Storm in a D cup
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and November, or Movember, is Men’s Health Awareness Month. But this November, things will look a little different on Lion Street. Wendy Bowker of W Gallery has organised a bra drop. Along with Vanessa Savia of Savia Gifts and Jo Walker from Elsa Libero, they will be collecting your donations…of bras.
So whether you’re an egg cup, coffee cup, tea cup or the FA Cup, every weekend this November, drop off your old bras, enjoy coffee and cake at the gallery and help macmillan.org.uk and againstbreastcancer.org.uk The bras will be re-gifted, recycled or sold and along with your coffee morning donations, will raise funds for breast cancer research.
Image Credits: Rye News library , Network Rail , James Stewart , Natasha Robinson .
There’s something quite illogical about closing the toilets to save a bit of money at the Gun Gardens despite being hugely useful to so many daytime visitors. Yet the toilets opposite Rye train station have the lights turned on 24 hours a day burning money despite only being in operation around 10 hours a day.