Rye News publishes at the end of a week when government press conferences have become daily, and the messages to the public at large have changed – sometimes significantly, but often in response to questions, and often with more detailed policies emerging.
Stories are therefore scattered through this issue – some of which are negative, and some of which are positive. So let us start with the positive.
If you look carefully at the home page of the website you will see there is near the top a new advertisement – but not for a commercial organisation. Instead it is for Rye Mutual Aid, an organisation which has sprung out of nowhere this week.
But it has not come out of the blue as many of the people involved are active volunteers in other Rye activities – and Rye has a strong reputation for volunteering which will be reported to next Monday’s town council meeting.
The information on the coronavirus, and how we and the government deal with it, changes rapidly so if you look near the top of the home screen there is a link to a story that contains a lot of links to various sources of up to date information – and will stay there during the weeks ahead so that you can continue to have access to the latest information.
Inevitably (as each day brings notices of further shut-downs) we have a number of stories about closures and cancellations including the Milligan Theatre, the National Trust, the nature reserve, the Jazz Festival, the Film Club and the Bonfire Society – and the list goes on and on with the Rye Arts Festival as the latest casualty, announced on Thursday.
However businesses are responding to the challenge with new ways of running their businesses, and the government is coming up with various measures too.
And, for community groups there is help within the community as well, in addition to calls for the community to work together better. And there is even guidance, if we are isolated at home, about what to do with our time.
The ever changing events have had some consequences already for local charities, and the supermarket queues have not been helpful for those in more immediate and daily need to feed themselves.
However, despite all the difficulties, our churches are still continuing to operate as best they can.
And life goes on in same ways with problems with roadworks, dogs needing rescuing, planning rows, scaffolding repairs, and new businesses arriving.
Image Credits: Nick Forman , Kenneth Bird .
Busy day in Rye. Lots of people going shopping, out with their families. Huddling together queuing for hot chocolate amongst other things.
Hope you had a nice time. People will die as a result.
Really must agree with Krista,people saying Rye harbour jammed with people visiting the bird sactuary,surely the environment agency should be closing the road down to it,and only opening it in an emergency, and those running the show,should be showing responsibility,and telling visitors the sanctuary is closed until further notice .
It will be of no consolation to learn that this behaviour is not exclusive to Rye. RHS gardens had a bumper weekend, fortunately they have now closed. Ditto National Trust properties and other open spaces. We are living on a crowded island and the population seems to have a herd instinct that overrides its common-sense. Best wishes to all in Rye and stay safe.
The people in this country have proved time and time again their inability to follow advice, takeaway food is obviously a good idea but people have flocked to them at the weekend, the Pilot at Dungeness has closed its doors to takeaway food for this reason.
Pictures of Camber and other seaside venues have shown how we don’t take advice, so what’s the answer?
Total lock down, all because we didn’t listen to advice.
Like we ever did.
I did an essential food shop in Jempsons this early afternoon. I was shocked how most people were ignoring social distancing requirements and disgusted that the Jempsons management appear to be doing nothing about it. I thanked a couple of staff for continuing to work at this difficult time, but I must insist that Jempsons management take this seriously and take it seriously now. What more information do people need to act in a responsible manner? If you disagree with this approach then get your head out of the sand and take time to read up about the consequences of your selfish actions.
As a regular customer, for the first time in ten days, I visited Jempsons in Peasmarsh to find the staff helpful, courteous and patient. Sadly the woman queueing ahead of me began arguing with a staff member, calling him rude, when he politely said that only one person was allowed entry with each trolley. I feel so sorry for them having to deal with some rude members of the public, or those who only give their custom when they choose to panic buy. Under the circumstances, Jempsons Peasmarsh appear to be doing all they can. If this displeases some, there are of course, other supermarkets.