A mayor for all seasons

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I was very pleased when Jonathan Breeds agreed to tell me about the difficulties and joys of being a member of Rye Town Council (RTC) as well as his role as Mayor over the last year.

Mayor Jonathan Breeds with Priscilla Ryan at the Tuesday Painters’ Exhibition

My first question was how and when he decided to stand for RTC and was it to follow in the footsteps of his father, John Breeds, a teacher throughout his life? Jonathan was quite clear that in fact he was the first from the Breeds family to join the town council. In 1996 he put himself forward for election “there was more party politics on the council and I thought there should be an independent candidate”. He was duly elected and in fact his father followed in Jonathan’s footsteps joining as a councillor. Jonathan was proud to say that he was the second longest serving councillor after former mayor Jo Kirkham.

Talking about the difficulties that can be part of the job, Jonathan expressed some frustrations that in day-to-day life,  Rye Town Council has relatively little power. “The expectation of what we can do as a body often far exceeds what we have the ability to do,” said Jonathan. “I have had some amazing requests in the last year and have done my best to help citizens with disputes and housing applications! However, personally authorising  the building of a new shower was a bit too far and that request I had to decline.”

I asked him what he enjoyed most, especially in his mayoral year. He said he was pleased to support local groups and activities as much as time allows him.

Stephen Clift talking to the MayorMayor Jonathan Breeds and Arabella Anwar

Jonathan feels that the town offers so many great institutions, from the Bonfire Society to the Tuesday Painters. His joy is to see the groups develop and he thinks it’s important to support them to grow so they remain rich and vibrant. “My favourite in the past year was attending the anniversary of the Rye and District Dementia Action Alliance. I was allowed to serve the tea and cake and join in the singing”. The funniest occasion for him was the installation of the new speaker of the Cinque Ports, when the heavens opened as they processed to the church in Dover. “The sound of 19 mayors, clergy, clerks and other dignitaries with their hundreds of years old now damp robes was a bit special!” I hope they all had the same sense of humour as Jonathan and smiled through the occasion.

As he mentioned at the Town Meeting, the council is trying to take back from Rother District Council, if slowly, land and property around town and having a little success. Jonathan recounted that they had acquired the space next to No. 7 , Wish Ward and the freehold of the nursery near the primary school to ensure that it continues successfully. Another plus, especially for him, was the start of the discounted accommodation scheme, “an achievement, to be the only parish council in the UK”, to house a needy family at an affordable rent, with the hope of the project growing into more than just one house. “We want to build on these successes and of course see the Neighbourhood Plan signed off.”

I asked Jonathan if he has any thoughts on Tilling Green Community Centre (TGCC) now AmicusHorizon  has dropped the project of building houses and with it the idea of a new centre. As  did many of us, he thought that TGCC was very important as half the population of the town lived between Udimore Road, Cadborough Cliff, Tilling Green Avenue, Ashenden Avenue,  Tilling Green and Valley Park. he adds: “It’s one

Rye Bay Crew raises the roof to help funds for the church

of the reasons I plan to have mayor making at that very centre again on May 1 this year as I did in 2016. If there is a way to save it and make it more efficient I think it must be pursued.”

Jonathan said that presently he was supporting the Sea Cadets and Rye Community transport, helping to find funding and give weight to the projects with his presence,but not, however, to the exclusion of supporting other local charities in any way he can. He muses: “I have had wonderful experiences at all the things I have attended and met many lovely, hard working people. It is this which gives me the joy in  remaining as a councillor and I am ready for the expectations if re-elected as Mayor even if at times it can be frustrating.”

I wondered aloud what his antidote to some of the stresses might be. He said that working, rehearsing singing with Rye Bay Crew, being part of Ryesingers as well as the responsibilities of RTC are a difficult balancing act and added: “One week I attended twelve events in a week while working and rehearsing (and performing), that was a tough week! But a rewarding one.”

Thank you Jonathan for sharing a part of your life and do continue giving pleasure to the many people and projects you come in contact with. 

 

 

Photos: Heidi Foster and Rye News library

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