Rye News

Unexplained mysteries may have some light thrown on them by Andy Thomas at the first Rye and District u3a's (University of the Third Age) at the meeting on Monday September 15 at Rye Community Centre at 2pm, and it is a mystery what mysteries he is going to talk about.

Brickwall Music and Arts Society completed its forty-seventh season last month with a wonderfully enjoyable concert in the Great Space at St. Ronan's School, Hawkhurst.

Southern Rail, recently voted the third worst rail company in the UK, added to its customers' woes by rescheduling an early morning commuter train without telling anyone and then offering an implausible explanation.

The aim of the 2014 cricket season for Rye Cricket Club was to secure its status in the Sussex Cricket League for 2015 after securing promotion from the East Sussex League in 2013 and on Saturday that aim was achieved. For a small club like Rye on the eastern extremity of the county the sustaining of county league status has been a challenge both on and off the field.

The latest Jempson’s bank holiday boot fair was another success raising over £1,000 for charity and providing enjoyment not only for the sellers but for those of us who like a bargain or two.

Ex-Rye Rotary President Chris Fairman was delighted when his son Russell completed the "End2End" challenge by riding the 865 miles from John O'Groats to Lands End in seven and a half days.

Petanque may come from France, but all are welcome to "boule" along (with or without a beret) to the Strand Quay on Saturday September 13 from 2pm for the Rye News Petanque competition even if you have not played before. Boules will be provided, teams will be assembled (where necessary) and the organisation will be flexible. Dennis Leeds-George reports on the Sports page.

The barnacled sailors sauntering around the riverside last Sunday at the Maritime Festival looked very jolly but they were also working hard for a good cause bringing in funds for the local Rotary Club.

The 10th flower and vegetable show on Saturday in Rye Community Centre was a gardener's delight, the Royal Horticultural Society's accredited judge Richard Sandford praised the high standard of entry that included a 43.5cm long runner bean, and "Man of the Mud" was town councillor Nigel Jennings.On the Living page Tony McLaughlin reports on the show and Nigel Jennings reports on the new Community Garden.

Around one in three children have had a serious accident or a near miss in the morning mayhem of getting ready for school . . . and spilled hot drinks top the list of dangers. Almost 10,000 under-16s were admitted to the Conquest's A&E department last year. As families prepare for the return to school Tony McLaughlin reports in our Living section on some problems highlighted by the Child Accident Prevention Trust and the top five risks.

Most motorists and cyclists in Rye obey the laws. Others flaunt breaking them, then become upset if challenged . . . as if being wrong is right

More than a quarter of Rye's residents have no access to a car or van and rely on bus services, say official statistics. But the county council proposes big cuts to local 326 and Dial-a-Ride services. Make your views plain by completing a survey available in the public library

Firemen responding to a 999 call in the historic Citadel were twice blocked by parked cars in a high fire risk area of densely packed old houses. Luckily no one was injured but parking problems are a contentious issue as discussions continue on the Neighbourhood Plan.

This year's Maritime Festival will be the 10th and will take place on Sunday August 31 which is later in the year than usual due to exceptionally low tides

The Heritage Open Day weekend allows free access to buildings that are usually closed to the public or for which there is an admission fee. But buildings in Rye are missing from this Europe-wide list which ranges from government buildings in Whitehall normally kept firmly under lock and to residential houses of architectural interest. Seana Lanigan reports.

With cricket coming to an end, and the nights beginning to close in, you may fear the worst - too much television - but fear not as the excitement of another football season is here. ... and it is only six a side.... and open to all ages and abilities

Fairlight's hidden secrets include a bunker under the Fire Hills - and a dinosaur's footprints. Haydon Luke reveals these secrets in his new book about this pretty Sussex village

Harvesting, holidays and weddings meant the 2nd XI only had 10 players, six of whom were first-timers, and so they lost to Crowhurst Park. But the Under-16s (who were mostly under 15 and 14) came second in their Division in the Sussex Juniors Cricket Festival. Martin Blincow reports and bowls 1 for 22

The Rye Partnership's rural employability project is proving a great success in supporting local people back into employment. Several recent roadshow/ recruitment events have all proved successful in recruiting staff for local businesses

Now in its third year the jazz and blues festival has been embraced by locals, tourists and businesses alike and not even the wettest of bank holiday Mondays could dampen the enthusiasm of the musicians, performers and especially the audiences over the weekend. In the words of festival director Ian Bowden: "Rye was buzzing!"