All change please! April saw the arrival of several new faces at the town hall, with two new members of staff recruited, and two new councillors co-opted; followed by a change of mayor in May.
At a meeting on April 19, the council heard from three candidates, to co-opt to two vacancies (after the resignations of Councillors Potter and Wood). The successful candidates were Jane Conlin and Sue Learoyd-Smith. All the candidates gave passionate accounts of their aspirations for Rye, with Jane and Sue voted in by members.
We welcome Amy Wares as a new information assistant – Amy joins us after completing a history degree, and recently volunteering at the Rye Heritage Centre. Amy’s predecessor, Kate Smith, has not left us, but moved roles to that of assistant town steward. Look out for Kate working around the town, where she will be weeding, litter picking and caring for the townscape.
With Kate’s move, the town steward team has grown. Our original steward, Nicky Ledger, continues to work with Steve Lippross, senior assistant town steward. The expansion of the team will ensure that we can continue our enhanced mowing service, make sure the streetscape is maintained to a higher standard and undertake maintenance to council buildings. There are a variety of agencies responsible for maintenance and cleaning in the town, so the town steward service will supplement these. If you notice any issues, or areas that need attention, please feel free to contact the information point. We will then pass these to the relevant agency or the town steward team.
We also welcome Vickie Huxley, as a town hall attendant. Vickie will be attending ceremonies at the town hall, along with Paul, the town crier. Vickie is exceptionally well-qualified to help our couples, with previous experience as a registrar for the area. For more information about marrying at Rye Town Hall, visit our website: www.ryetowncouncil.gov.uk/weddings/.
Rye’s annual mayor making ceremony and “throwing of the hot pennies’” took place on May 2. The previous mayor, Councillor Rebekah Gilbert, handed over the reins to Councillor Andi Rivett, after two years as her deputy. Councillor Rivett’s first task was to toss “freshly-cooked” pennies to the crowds of children gathered outside the town hall, in true Rye tradition.
Rye Relief in Need has joined the Rother Community Lottery. Administered by the town council, this charity provides financial assistance for those in the parish suffering hardship or distress. Visit www.rothercommunitylottery.co.uk and search for “Rye Relief in Need” to be in with a chance to win whilst supporting this excellent cause. Recent grants given include £500 to Family Support Work, a charity supporting vulnerable families in Rye, and a sum to a resident in need of basic furniture.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is underway and we now have several Ukrainian guests in Rye and the surrounding villages. Rye Town Council is working closely with local groups to provide financial and practical support to those escaping the conflict.
With days to go to the platinum jubilee celebrations, taking place from the June 2 to June 5, final preparations are underway for events in the town. For more information on what is happening, please visit www.ryeplatinumjubilee.co.uk, or follow our dedicated Facebook page @RyePlatinumJubilee. If you would like us to publicise an event you are organising over the jubilee weekend, please email townhall@ryetowncouncil.gov.uk with details.
This year’s annual town meeting will take place on Monday, June 13 at 7pm, at Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill. Unavoidably delayed this year as it usually takes place in March, this will be the first annual town meeting since 2019. Parishioners are urged to join members of the town council, along with Rye ward members of East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council, for your opportunity to ask the questions! Registration opens at 6:30pm, for a 7pm start.
Image Credits: Rye Town Council .