Rye’s local newspaper could be forced to close unless more volunteers come forward to help secure its future. A range of roles are urgently needed at Rye News, including the post of editor. Is the paper’s problem the sign of a wider issue in Rye writes Natasha Robinson.
It’s no secret that we are always looking for new contributors to Rye News. In fact I’ve spent the last six years trying to convince people to join our merry band. I’ve explained that an “article” is nothing more than a “fat Instagram or Facebook post”; some paragraphs of fact and some great photos. If you can do social media, you can do Rye News. But on the whole, with a couple of notable exceptions, thank you Carolyn and Charlie, I’ve failed to boost our ranks in any meaningful way.
One of the biggest obstacles seems to be what is perceived as one of Rye’s biggest strengths: it’s a town full of iconoclasts. Everyone pulls in their own direction, with very little regard for the collective. Again, there are several notable exceptions to this statement: The Mermaid Inn, Jempson’s and The George, to name the obvious ones.
Maybe I’m being a little harsh. People are clearly struggling so hard to keep their businesses afloat, that there is no time left for voluntary projects and so much of our town is already run by volunteers – the Food Bank, the Heritage Centre, the Rye Museum, or the community bus, for example.
We are on the verge of losing the Chamber of Commerce. Since Jane Brook and Sarah Broadbent finished their allotted mandates, no-one has stepped up to carry on their diligent and groundbreaking work.
Each year, the Jazz Festival becomes smaller and smaller. This year will see the loss of the free Buttermarket concerts. All the while, their foray into Sidmouth benefits from the support of that town council and its inhabitants, in stark contrast to Rye. Apparently it being on the August bank holiday is the problem, but how would people attend if they weren’t…on holiday?
The Christmas Festival has gone, perhaps because it’s at Christmas and people are busy…organising Christmas. The Bonfire Society finds fundraising increasingly difficult, presumably because…insert excuse here.
And now Rye News seems to be heading down a similar path. I’m not talking about the post of editor, which is a crucial and skilled job, I’m talking about regular contributors. Locals who see stuff, go to stuff, are planning stuff or are curious about stuff. It’s hardly Woodward and Bernstein territory, just an interest in the place you live.
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it may be worth repeating. Many years ago, as I got to the top of Lion Street, two women were watching the building works in progress. One turned to the other and said “A cinema? What on earth does Rye need a cinema for?” Funny the things you take for granted and that you won’t miss till they’re gone…
Two events are being organised where local people can find more about joining the team. The first is at Rye Kino on Monday 3 August at 6pm to 7.30pm. Later in the month, the team will be at the Green Waves Festival at the Tilling Green Community Centre on Saturday 15 August 11am to 5pm.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson , Rye Chamber of Commerce , Rye Jazz Festival , Rye Christmas Festival .
It speaks volumes that you should criticise ‘iconoclasts’ and then hold up two The George and Jempson’s as examples of what you consider to the exceptions.
These two organisations wield enormous power in the town and are definitely dedicated to pulling in their particular directions.