Rye Fund applications open
Whether you are setting up for the first time, want to finance a new project, buy equipment or need help to meet running costs, Rye Fund is here to help local voluntary groups, as Stuart Harland explains.
Rye Fund receives bequests from a range of people and distributes its income as grants to non-profit community groups in Rye and the neighbouring parishes – you can get a thorough explanation of the Rye Fund’s activities at www.ryefund.org.uk.
The opportunity to apply for a grant normally takes place earlier in the year than now but, this year, there has been a pause to enable our fund managers Sussex Community Foundation (SCF) to refresh its application systems. Applications for this year are now invited – but, please be aware, the application period this year is only up to Friday October 17 and may be closed earlier, depending on the number of applications received by SCF. But now the application process should be easier than previously.
The application process now starts with an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, the EOI being a shorter initial application designed to reduce the time and energy required from applicants and a quicker feedback. In some cases, applicants will be required to complete a full application but it is expected that many applicants will know sooner if they are likely to be successful.
If you would like to apply for a grant, please go to www.ryefund.org.uk.
The future of The Bell
Almost fifty people attended a meeting to discuss the future of the Bell Inn at Iden after the pub’s owners applied to change it into housing.
Debbie Chalet from Save the Bell committee says the meeting at the village hall on Thursday September 18 heard how the loss of the Bell would be devastating to the community. “Lots shared their stories of how the pub has played such an important part of their lives in Iden, not just as a great pub but as a place to socialise, plan village events, look out for neighbours and bring families together.”
The Save the Bell committee are encouraging everyone to share their views on the Rother District Council website before the deadline on October 10. The planning application can be read here and will be discussed by Iden Parish Council on October 7.
Sussex Police are inviting people in the Rother District to take part in a community survey.
Operation Snowdrop
Gritting trucks took part in a survey of the local roads last week as part of the preparations for Operation Snowdrop – East Sussex Highways response to wintry weather.
Taylor Drift, Sleetwood Mac and Snowball were just three of the twenty one gritters taking in part in the annual survey to check for overgrown vegetation that could cause an obstruction for the wide vehicles.
The gritters, which were purchased by the county council last year, will also be checked over to ensure they are ready to respond quickly to winter conditions.
The winter gritting season runs from October 1 until the end of April and during this time the council’s gritter drivers are on standby 24 hours a day. Around 10,000 tonnes of dry rock salt is stored at the county’s five highways depot – including at Cripps Corner.
Road closed
A reminder the main road through Rye will be closed overnight next week. The A259 will be shut between the Skinners and Kettle O’ Fish roundabouts for resurfacing work each night 8pm-6pm from Monday September 29 until Saturday October 4.
More information here
Image Credits: Martin Chalet , Hugh Kermode , Sussex Police , East Sussex Highways , NH .
Why is the A259 being resurfaced so soon after the last time. The section proposed is in near perfect condition compared with other parts that have been neglected for years