I have a lot to thank Kenneth Bird for, since my chance meeting with him on Rye High Street in 2017. Kenneth, who along with Dennis Leeds-George is the joint founder of Rye News, a community newspaper, published weekly and now approaching its tenth birthday. I had bumped into Kenneth during my career in the property industry and when he said to me: “Do you fancy writing an article for Rye News?” and that by saying: “Yes”, little did I know that my life was about to change. Nearly seven years on I have notched up nearly 1,000 published articles for Rye News and am proud to have been entrusted with the role of editor.
Having worked for three previous Rye News editors, namely Charlie Harkness, John Minter and Chris Lawson, I felt ready to take on the editor's role when Chris stepped down. These were hard acts to follow but I knew I had the support of the team and the board of directors and together we moved the paper to the next level. I had a bucket list of tasks I wanted to complete which has by and large been achieved and now it’s time to hand over the baton. This will allow me more time to dedicate to various other local projects I’m involved with, in particular, furthering my roles with Little Gate Farm where we find paid employment for young adults with learning difficulties and autism.
I’m not going too far away and will remain as a director and an active contributor, writing articles about all sorts of subjects and returning to what I know best and enjoy. I have written many articles for numerous publications over the years with editorials in many glossies and national papers. My most unusual editorial was when I was asked to sell a Roman bath house in over 100 acres, not something you get asked to do every day but a fascinating task which generated enquiries from all over the world and appeared on various TV stations and national newspapers. You never know what you might get asked to write about next, the "buzz" (and what retains my personal interest) is not knowing what’s around the next corner.
My congratulations go to James Stewart, my successor as editor and who I know needs no introduction. He’s not only the founder and brains behind Ryecast but he’s also an active and successful contributor to Rye News and the right person for the role.
James is a well respected Rye resident, a true professional with a career in journalism already under his belt so who better to take on the role than he who has already earned the respect and support of deputy editor Juliet Duff and the Rye News team and who I have no doubt, will continue moving Rye News on to the next level.
There are many new and exciting initiatives being worked on in the Rye News engine room including preparations to celebrate the paper’s tenth anniversary later this year. It’s been an interesting journey for Rye News: gone are the days when the paper was perceived to be a parish mag as it has now grown to be recognised as a serious publication covering many important issues which are also important to its readers and local residents. The paper is a recognised and respected institution which plays an increasingly important role as the voice of your community.
None of this would have happened had it not been for all the volunteers who, over the years have given so much of their free time and energy to making the paper what it is today and we are indebted to each and every one of them.
I will now sign off as editor and hand you over to James who has my full and continued support. I know he will do a great job and has the flair, professionalism and personality to drive the paper forward, leaving me more time to write articles, returning to my roots, where my Rye News journey started.
