It’s still special
Proposals to remove The Bell at Iden from Historic England’s List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest have been turned down. The news was announced on Wednesday October 8, the day after a parish meeting in the village to discuss the pub’s future.
The owners of the The Bell have applied for planning permission to turn the building into housing.
A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: “We have taken into account all the representations made, and completed our assessment of the building. Having considered our recommendation, the Secretary of State has decided not to remove the entry for the building from the list.”
Martin Chalet, chair of the Save the Bell group, was delighted by the news. “This building means a lot to our community—not just as a pub, but as a piece of local heritage. While I understand that listed status can bring challenges for owners, I firmly believe that preserving our historic buildings is vital. I’m grateful that the significance of the Bell Inn has been recognised and protected for future generations.”
There’s a meeting of Rye Town Council this Monday, October 13 at 6.30pm at the town hall. As well as the future of the Christmas lights as we report elsewhere, the agenda also includes town hall finances and the safety of the town steward team, including a request for a bodycam.
It’s the National Town Criers Championships in Rye this Saturday, October 11. 21 competitors are confirmed, including 4 from abroad. Contestants will have to make two cries – one about their home town with a second on the subject of peace. There’s also a chance for the public to take part.
11am – Group photo outside the town hall followed by procession to the Gun Gardens led by Ryebellion Drummers.
11.10am – Round One – Home Cry
12.30pm – Lunch at The Mermaid Inn for criers
2pm – Public “Have A Go” competition – for fun only – where members of the
public get the chance to wear a hat, ring a bell, and shout “Oyez!”
2.20pm – Round Two – Peace Cry
4pm– Judging and prizes
You can read more about the contest here and Rye News will have a full report next week.
Reporting crime
Sussex Police is trialling a system to keep people up-to-date with the progress being made on crimes they have reported.
The news was shared during a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on Friday October 3.
Urging people to report crimes wherever they happen, Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I think there needs to be a realisation that the police don’t have the capacity to go back to everybody and tell them how their [reported] crime is progressing.”
She also told the meeting Sussex Police has a duty to go back to victims of crime and tell them how they’re being updated. “For a member of the public reporting crime, we’re trialling a system to see what might be possible to do in the future.”
Vital training
There’s a chance to find more about how you can help someone having a heart attack next week. Rother Responders, who have placed defibrillators in Rye and the local villages, are holding a session at The Hub on Rye Hill on Thursday October 16.
You can read more about the charity and how to get involved here.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson , Martin Chalet , Stuart Harland , Kt bruce , kt Bruce , Sussex Police .
Great news re The Bell… Well done to all who’ve been battling to sustain it as a community asset.