Monthly Archives: March, 2015

The ongoing dispute between Rother council and Kris Hopkins, the Minister for Local Government, flared again on Wednesday, writes Tony Nunn. Hopkins sent a strong letter to Carl Maynard, Conservative leader of the council, which was headed "TRANSPARENCY: FAILINGS BY ROTHER COUNCIL". In January Maynard had replied to an earlier letter from Hopkins in which he defended his council's behaviour on such matters as not disclosing redundancy packages for senior managers. Those reasons are dismissed by Hopkins

Exchanges enlivened this year’s annual meeting of Rye Partnership when chairman Keith Glazier was confronted with questions from Anthony Kimber and organic farmer Christopher Strangeways. They wanted to know more about the money trail of the Partnership’s projects: a spending breakdown in detail because the accounts presented lacked the detail sought. At one stage Glazier described a £96,000 loss as “not major”, not one that gave the Partnership “any concern” though he did promise that a breakdown of that loss would be sent to Strangeways - a week later that promise has, as yet, to be kept. It also became apparent, after the meeting, that Rye’s town hall has never received minutes of any Partnership meeting. “No reports, summaries or minutes are sent/received,” said Richard Farhall, the Town Clerk. Neither do councillors on the board represent the town council. Sam Soustser says he represents Rother, Jo Kirkham says she represents Rye Voluntary Services

After a tough season, Rye's indoor cricketers were finally crowned league champions, gaining promotion in advance of the new indoor season which starts later this year

The debate between directors of Rye Partnership, members and the public had no flash points but there were clear areas of concern. These included Tilling Green's new community centre, projects and financial losses. We publish some of the exchanges word-by-word . . .

The three finalists in this year's Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition thrilled the audience with virtuoso performances. If you missed their battle for a cash prize and a concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, you can appreciate their bravura on Mike Figgis's short film

You'd expect to find booze in a boozer but the landlord of the Robin Hood ended up in court when the Inland Revenue and local constabulary discovered a quantity of smuggled spirits concealed about the property

Wendy Vu, owner of Elegant Nails in Landgate is running in the Hastings half-marathon on Sunday to raise money for a Vietnamese child injured and scarred in an acid attack.

A fascinating talk at Rye Museum illuminated the history of the Vidler family, which has given much service to Rye, from the first John Vidler born in 1789 to the present. This same John Vidler bought the Friars of the Sack house in Church Square, which is still owned by his descendants

Limited tourist information services will move to the Rye Heritage Centre on Strand Quay following the Lion Street office closure. While visitors to the town will find answers to their enquiries, phone calls and email requests will be handled by The 1066 Country website

On Saturday March 14, the Rye Bay Ensemble performed a concert on the theme of 'Women and their lot' at St Mary's Rye. Although mainly Mozart, additional music included songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kurt Weill and Steven Sondheim among others

Like it or loathe it, farmers on Romney Marsh have embraced the new green revolution of sustainable energy. They're on the hunt for additional income. So, while last year's crops have to be stored to await the right price, solar panels now adorn Simon Wright's Moo Motel - and they don't even need any nurturing

Edward Burra's paintings are emphatic, vibrant, busy, but also include gentler landscapes drawn from around Rye and Hastings. Rye Art Gallery holds paintings, drawings and other personal artefacts and letters - and until June 7 the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings has a major exhibition of this local artist's work