Rye’s local newspaper could be forced to close unless more volunteers come forward to help secure its future. A range of roles are urgently needed at Rye News, including the post of editor. Time to get involved in the paper say one of the founders, Dennis Leeds-George.
After 12 years, Rye News has reached a crisis point and needs your support to keep going.
Since 2014 volunteers past and present, led by six very different editors, have produced a weekly local news paper that is free to read. I hope, like me, you are grateful for all the effort and time they put in without any financial reward. It really is true, everyone involved in Rye News is a volunteer.
It is also true that there are now more local groups looking for volunteers and applying for funding compared to when Rye News was launched. At the same time many of the publications that used to cover Rye have ceased – just look at the picture above, how many are still going?
You can help save Rye News in many ways, especially by volunteering, even if you can only spare an hour a week. It all helps.
Donating to cover running costs is also a good way too. Over the years the paper has enjoyed the support of many local people who have generously donated to it. Thank you for your support.
You might also have a suggestion on how to make Rye News viable for the future. The team would be very interested to hear yours. Please do get in touch either by emailing info@ryenews.org.uk or coming along to the events the paper has organised.
All those years ago we set up Rye News as a much needed resource for the local community. The paper is as important now as it was then as a trusted source of news for Rye. I hope you will help it continue.
Two events are being organised where local people can find more about joining the team. The first is at Rye Kino on Monday 3 August at 6pm to 7.30pm. Later in the month, the team will be at the Green Waves Festival at the Tilling Green Community Centre on Saturday 15 August 11am to 5pm.
Image Credits: Dennis Leeds-George .