Richard Farhall’s successor as Rye’s town clerk has been appointed. Here, Amy Head, from Peasmarsh, looks forward to her new role.
What attracted you to the role of town clerk for Rye at this point in your career?
I have worked for Peasmarsh Parish Council for nearly nine years and the role has suited my home life while I had young children but as my youngest son is due to start secondary school in September this seems like the perfect time to take on a bigger role.
Moving from Peasmarsh to Rye, what differences and similarities do you anticipate in serving a historic Cinque Port town?
Rye is a unique coastal town with a rich history whilst Peasmarsh is a small rural village surrounded by farms and wonderful countryside. The obvious differences are the tourism and services and facilities associated with a town the size of Rye; however, at the heart of every community the concerns and issues are very similar. Residents want good infrastructure, affordable housing and a thriving sense of community and in serving Rye I hope to help the council in continuing to raise these issues.
What do you enjoy most about working in local government?
I love working with the community and seeing the results of the work that local councils do. In Peasmarsh, I have been given flowers grown by a tenant of a community garden we set up and watched children play in a play area which the Parish Council installed. This is greatly satisfying. The impact of local government can be seen everywhere. I also like that no day is the same – one minute you are dealing with the management of allotments and the next you are looking at a planning application for a housing development.
Are you a local girl?
I moved to Peasmarsh nine years ago with my husband, three sons and two dogs. I love walking my dogs in the local area, reading, cooking and listening to podcasts.
Three words that would describe you: Thoughtful, hard-working and loyal.
Image Credits: Amy Head .