A new appointment
Reverend Francesca Reid has been appointed as rector of Brede with Udimore, Beckley and Peasmarsh.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Chichester said, “She joins us from her current role as assistant curate at Wolverton Holy Trinity, Old Wolverton and St George’s Wolverton in the Diocese of Oxford, marking her first incumbency as a full-time stipendiary priest.”
The licensing service dates are yet to be confirmed.
Diversion needed
Newenden Bridge on the A28 will closed each Saturday and Sunday 7am to 7pm from 28 February until 15 April.
The single track sandstone bridge was built in 1706 connecting East Sussex and Kent over the river Rother. Kent County Council will manage the work and the official diversions via the A21 at Robertsbridge.
Discussion plans
Rye Town Council’s Planning and Townscape Committee meets on Monday 9 February. The agenda includes the Rother Local Plan which is being consulted on at the moment.
The meeting at the town hall starts at 6.30pm.
More investigation
British Transport Police say they are increasing their commitment to solving cycle theft on the railway.
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said, “Rail passengers whose bikes are stolen, rightly expect a thorough police investigation to trace offenders and reunite them with their property, we are committed to bringing more bike thieves to justice in 2026 than ever before. Our officers will investigate more reports and explore all viable lines of enquiry if a bike is identifiable on CCTV, or if there is a witness to the crime.”
Yes it’s been wet
Some parts of Rye and the surrounding villages have had over 200% more rain in January than the monthly average.
Statistics released by the Met Office show the extent of the rainfall – some of the heaviest in the country.
Rye News is looking for a local meteorologist to report on the weather. If you collect weather stats and have the kit to record them please email info@ryenews.org.uk.
Image Credits: John McCurrie , Diocese of Chichester , Christine Johnstone https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3560343 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ , Stuart Harland , Met Office .