News in brief August 15

Blocked

Problems at the East Guldeford level crossing disrupted road and rail journeys on Tuesday, August 12. The A259 for closed in the evening and trains between Rye and Ashford International were cancelled after 8pm.

One local driver was caught in the traffic by Salts Farm at 6.30pm. “I decided to turn right along the Camber Road rather than do a U-turn which the cars in front of me were doing. The traffic leaving Camber towards East Guldeford was backed up to the golf club and going nowhere.  I returned Rye about two and a half hours foolishly thinking the road from Brenzett would be back to normal. When I reached the chicane before the crossing, I was met with stationary traffic, so had to do another  U-turn and return to Rye via Military Road.”

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Unfortunately a problem with the level crossing at East Guldeford on Tuesday evening meant that, for a short time, both the railway and the A259 Folkestone Road were blocked while our engineers dealt with the issue. Police were also on hand to direct traffic. We’re sorry to both Southern Railway passengers and road users who were delayed by this incident.”

Meanwhile, rail services through Rye continue to be cancelled because of a shortage of conductors. 20% of trains did not run on both Saturday, August 9 and Monday, August 11. Southern Trains says it expects to have more conductors in place during September.

Deadline approaches

You’ve just a few days left to put yourself forward to be a Rye town councillor. The vacancy was caused by the resignation of Cllr Rebekah Gilbert and people interested in standing for the council need to have their application in by 11:59pm on Monday, August 18. You can read full details here.

The new councillor will be chosen at a special meeting of Rye Town Council on Monday, September 15. If you are thinking of standing, email info@ryenews.org.uk as we’re keen to feature all candidates in coming weeks.

Closed

Work has now started on repairs to the public toilets by Rye station. The gents is closed for at least three weeks with the disabled toilet available for use instead.

The work is being carried out by Rother District Council whose spokesperson explained what was happening. “There have been recurring issues at the Station Approach toilets, and previous repairs have unfortunately not been successful in providing a permanent fix. Over the summer, our maintenance team will carry out some refurbishment of the toilets to resolve this.”

VJ Day

This Friday, August 15 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. In Rye there will be a ceremony outside the town hall in the Buttermarket starting at 1pm.

After a cry from town crier Paul Goring and words from the mayor, Andy Stuart the event moves to the war memorial in St Mary’s churchyard for a wreath-laying ceremony led by Colonel Anthony Kimber from Rye British Legion. There will also be extracts from the diary of John Ryan, the Rye animator who served in the Far East on VJ Day, read by Isabel Ryan.

Time for the show

The Rye and District Country Show is this Saturday, August 16 at Elm Tree Farm in Icklesham.

This popular summer event offers hours of entertainment for everyone. Enjoy a fun dog
show, a traditional horse show, a classic car show, and an open-air country fair with
numerous stalls to browse.

This year, there will also be a dedicated craft marquee showcasing traditional and artisan crafts such as willow weaving, carving and pottery painting. Visitors can purchase items and watch the crafters at work.

The Rye and District Country Show is organised annually in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and has become a staple on the local events calendar. Tickets are only £7.50, with under 16s going free.

Also this weekend – from our What’s on Diary

Image Credits: James Stewart , Google Maps , Ian Taylor CC , Anthony Kimber , Sharon Galliford .