“There are three great reasons to join the volunteers at Rye News,” said editor James Stewart at the Save Rye News meeting on Monday 3 August. “The team are passionate about the paper and reporting life in Rye, it’s a great way to get to know people in the town and Rye is full of stories that need telling and incredible people who would be fascinating interviewees.”
Thirty people were at the Rye Kino meeting following the news that Rye’s local newspaper could be forced to close unless more volunteers come forward to help secure its future. There was an impressive range of skills and experience amongst those who came along. A range of roles are urgently needed, including the post of editor.
“We have an increasingly small group of volunteers who put the paper together each week,” he said. “It’s become unsustainable, much like a number of voluntary organisations in Rye who are also facing similar challenges. As well as recruiting more people, we’re also looking at how often the paper is produced, and the story count. Nothing is decided yet.” He steps down as editor in late September.
Ryers attending the meeting heard about the volunteer roles available: reporting on events and stories, helping publish the paper, organising events, social media and marketing. The most urgent need is for someone to lead the team.
“You don’t need any experience,” said James. “We’re looking for people who’re genuinely curious about things they see around town and want to know what’s happening. There’s also an ever growing list of people who we should interview for the paper.”
There’s a further chance to talk about opportunities at Rye News when the paper will be at the Green Waves Festival at the Tilling Green Community Centre on Saturday 15 August. The team will have a stall in the main building from 11am to 5pm.
Everyone who came along to the Kino meeting is being invited to Rye News editorial discussion on Monday 17 August, a change from the usual Wednesday fortnightly date.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson .