Rye town clerk Richard Farhall is retiring after 26 years in the post. He leaves in February 2026 and a job advert with a closing date of 7 December has just been published.
Whoever takes on the role will see some of the biggest changes at Rye Town Council since it was formed in 1974. Early next year the government is expected to publish its plans for local government in East Sussex which could see more things being run from the town hall.
Richard Farhall says he is looking forward to spending less time at work. “I’m retiring because working 50 or so hours a week for two councils for many years – as well as working a 16-acre coppice wood – has meant that my garden has become severely neglected!”
Whilst he’ll stop working for Rye Town Council he will continue to work for Ewhurst Parish Council.
So what has he enjoyed about his work at the town hall? “The best thing about being Rye clerk is that it is, well, based in Rye. The next best thing would be the variety of the work – it helps if you are reasonably (or passably) good at just about everything!”
The job description and application form for Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer has been published on Rye Town Council’s website. Potential candidates will need to show they are “an excellent communicator, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who can demonstrate both management skills and the ability to think strategically”.
The successful candidate will hold – or will be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration.
The closing date for completed application forms is midnight on Sunday 7 December, with interviews expected on 15 December.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .