Wanted after castle theft
Sussex Police have released a photograph of a man they want to talk to after a burglary at Bodiam Castle.
Statues and ornaments were taken on Friday 13 March between 3.30am and 4.40am.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said, “Officers are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry in an ongoing investigation and encourage anyone who recognises this man to contact us. Anyone who has relevant information such as CCTV or mobile footage is also asked to report it to us online or by calling 101 quoting serial 397 of 13/03.”
Town Hall discussions
Rye Town Council’s Planning and Townscape Committee meets on Tuesday 7 April.
The agenda includes proposals to three shops on Rye High Street and whether the council should respond to the current consultation on the decommissioning of Dungeness B power station.
The meeting starts at 6.30pm at the town hall. The agenda is on the Rye Town Council website.
Big money
Grants for between £500 and £20,000 are being offered by the High Weald Nature and Community Fund, which supports work that benefits nature and people in the towns and villages locally. Since 2017 nearly £2 million has been awarded to 317 projects in the High Weald National Landscape.
A spokesperson said, “We welcome applications from non-profit organisations such as charities, schools, community groups, public bodies and churches. Private landowners and land managers may apply if their proposed work provides a clear, direct public benefit.”
The deadline is in July. Details here.
Busy Easter expected
Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex is urging people to take extra care as they get out and about over the Easter holiday weekend.
In 2025 it saw a 22% increase in overall activity during the period with a 24% increase in calls to attend to people injured in road traffic collisions. The lifesaving charity is asking the communities it serves to take extra care to keep themselves and other road users safe.
Richard de Coverley, head of operational delivery at KSS said, “Over the Easter weekend the roads will be busier than usual, so please allow extra time for your journey to help ensure you get there safely. We expect to see an increase in the number of vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians. We all need to exercise extra caution around these groups.”
Dedicated followers
The annual Niche Fashion Show will take place this year on Thursday 16 April at 7pm at Rye Community Centre.
There has been a change of venue due to the rising popularity of this fun evening. The tickets are £12, available from Niche in Cinque Ports Street. There’s a complimentary glass of wine and raffle prizes.
A spokesperson for Niche said, “We have gorgeous models who will showcase our collections. All proceeds will be donated to The Community Bus and Rye Foodbank. It is thanks to all the people who attend that we were able to give almost a £1000 to each charity last year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rye mayors for all their support over the past year in letting us use the town hall, enabling us all to support our local charities.”
Image Credits: Chris Lawson , Sussex Police , Kt bruce , N Chadwick/Geograph CC , AAKSS .