The town council meeting last Monday saw Councillor Pat Hughes, also known around Rye as “Pat the Bus”, chosen as deputy mayor elect by her fellow councillors. Proposed by Councillor Fiddimore, she was praised for her thoroughness, independence and commitment to the community. While Councillor Creaser was also proposed, a show of hands confirmed Councillor Hughes in the role.
The never ending story of the public conveniences in Rye continued with Councillor Hansen deploring the state of the Station Approach loos and the surrounding environment, recommending proceeding with a feasibility study for the area to be redeveloped. Councillors found it unfortunate that Southern Railway, who own the toilets, had declined to contribute but nevertheless recommended that the study should be approved. With up to a million visitors a year visiting Rye, the provision of adequate facilities is considered essential. Thanks were expressed to Rebekah Gilbert for agreeing to lead this stage of the project.
The council then moved on to the unique nature of Rye with a view to putting Rye forward in the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, organised by the Government. The initial proposal has been prepared voluntarily by David Angell on behalf of the council, with input from a wide range of organisations. If successful, government funding of £60k will be provided to prepare a full proposal, with the ultimate winner receiving £3m.
In a different area of funding, East Sussex Vision Support and the Independent Pett Level Rescue Boat both requested funding to support their programmes. Daniel Brookbank, of East Sussex Vision Support, explained that they have been running for 100 years, with 150 volunteers supporting 1,600 to 2,000 visually impaired people a year in a variety of ways. They are seeking to re-establish a local support structure in Rye if they can recruit some volunteers and can be contacted at: info@eastsussexvisionsupport.org.
The Pett Level Rescue Boat are seeking to enhance their capabilities by introducing increased medical support for the community, visitors and people in distress. The equipment, and related training, will provide the ability to administer pain relief and oxygen to those in need. After some debate, awards of £500 and £1,000 respectively were agreed.
The last agenda item requested councillors to support the campaign to halt the destruction of the Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Rye Harbour, and the environment around it. Councillor Rogers expressed the general outrage at the attitude of Natural England who, according to the campaign, have instructed the Environment Agency not to repair failing groynes. Councillors unanimously agreed to support the Icklesham Parish Council “Save our SSSI Land at Rye Harbour” campaign.
Finally, Mayor Andy Stuart led tributes to Richard Farhall, the Town Clerk who is retiring after 26 years of service. He praised him for being “the fount of all knowledge”, “doing all the work”. Other councillors thanked him for his incredible level of helpfulness, accompanied by an “excellent sense of humour”. Sadly, due to illness, Richard was not present to hear these accolades but he hopefully heard the resounding “three cheers” given by councillors and members of the public at the meeting.
The next town council meeting is scheduled for 11 May 2026 at the Town Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Image Credits: Stuart Harland , Peter Connock .