On Easter Monday, April 21 Peter Cosstick was elected mayor of Winchelsea for his second term of office. The mayor is chosen not by a public election but by the members of the historic Winchelsea Corporation, a small body that preserves the town’s ancient traditions.
In conversation with Peter Cosstick, Rye News learned about what he has so far achieved and what plans he and his wife have for his second year.
Your first year as mayor has come to a close and a second term of office beckons, what are your most significant highlights of last year?
There are too many to name them all but here are a few:
- Seeing the Winchelsea Corporation achieve many of its major renovation and maintenance projects in relation to the Court Hall and our three town gates
- attending the installation ceremony of Admiral Sir George Zambellas, lord warden of the Cinque Ports and later hosting a visit to Winchelsea by Sir George and Lady Amanda
- working with our local community to raise the profile of Winchelsea Corporation and the Cinque Ports; attending the one hundredth birthday party for a wonderful lady living at the Five Villages at which the vice lord-lieutenant presented the 'special' birthday card from the King and Queen
- supporting our local school, St Thomas's, in relation to their activities and projects, which been great fun
- attending the Hythe Venetian Fete and the Christmas concert at Lydd performed by the Band of the Brigade of the Gurkhas
- raising funds for the Demelza children's charity and seeing Debbie and her team re-launching Winchelsea Christmas Windows in aid of Demelza. We paid a very emotional visit to the Demelza centre in St Leonard’s to develop an understanding of the support that they provide to over ninety families in East Sussex.
You worked with your wife, Debbie, to raise funds for Demelza East Sussex. How much did you raise?
As mayoress, Debbie chose Demelza East Sussex as her nominated charity, one which we have supported for many years, going back to when we lived in Rye. During our first term the Winchelsea community raised a fantastic £3,500 for the charity and we presented the cheque during a wonderful evening in the New Inn just before Christmas.
Did you always intend to do two years as mayor?
The simple answer is, ‘no’. When I was asked to become mayor, I did say that I would only stand for the one year (you still have to re-elected if you wish to run for a second year). When it came to the second term. Debbie and I discussed everything, and we decided that due to a number of projects I wished to see through, I would stand for a second term.
What plans do you have for year two?
As a charity, Winchelsea Corporation has achieved a lot during my first term, ranging from renovation / restoration work on the seven-hundred-year-old Court Hall, museum and our three town gates. We still have quite a few renovation projects in the pipeline. We will continue to support our community, local school, and Demelza. We are going to build on everything that we achieved during 2024/25 and continue to support local business by promoting the town and attracting visitors.
Who would you like to thank from last year for their support?
Debbie and I have lived in Winchelsea for fourteen years, and we would like to thank:
- the whole community and volunteers for all their kindness and support in making Winchelsea a very special place to live
- all the trustees and freeman of the Corporation who work together as a brilliant team of volunteers
- members of Friends of the Ancient Monuments (FOAM) for all their brilliant fundraising through cellar tours and other events which is vital to help us look after the Court Hall and gates
- and everyone who has supported and raised funds for the Corporation and for Demelza.
We are looking forward to our last term of office and will do our best to keep the momentum going in all areas. We are deeply honoured and humbled to be entering our second year. If you would like to learn more about Winchelsea and the great events on offer throughout the year, please visit our wonderful website: winchelsea.com
Our first fundraising event for Demelza is on May 18 at the New Inn when the Rye Harbour Herrings will sing shanties and sea songs and raise funds.
