Here’s a roundup of some of the other stories making the news in Rye this week.
Storm damage
Heavy rain, strong winds, and very high spring tides caused problems on Monday and Tuesday April 8/9.
At the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve water overtopped the road between the discovery centre and the sea, damaging the banks either side. Staff quickly put up warning signs to protect walkers, but the extent of the damage was clear from the washed away soil and fences left hanging a metre in the air.
Along the coast more shingle was washed away in front of the Mary Stanford Lifeboat House and nearby by the tide removed foundations belonging to an old building.
You can read about the challenges to preserve one of the area's iconic landmarks, and it's important history, in this Rye News article.
A flood warning for the coast from Dungeness to Fairlight was lifted on Tuesday morning.
Cyclist seriously inured
Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision near Northiam left a 75-year-old local cyclist in hospital with serious injuries. It happened at 7:30am on Thursday, April 4 on the B2165 Northiam Road and involved a Volkswagen Caddy van and a bicycle. The cyclist was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital. The driver of the van, a 32-year-old local man, was not injured.
Witnesses or anyone with relevant information such as CCTV or dashcam footage of the vehicles travelling in the area at the time are asked to come forward. You can report to Sussex Police online or by emailing: collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Alton.
A new food festival for Rye
The inaugural 'Rye Harvest Wine and Food Festival' @ryeharvest has been announced. It is scheduled for September 14 and 15 - the opening weekend of the Rye Arts Festival @rye_arts_festival.
Over two days produce from land and sea will be showcased in the Cattle Market, along with live music and free talks. Ten local vineyards will be taking part and the very best local food and ingredients will be on display. It will be a ticketed event, with details on their website coming soon.
Caravan plans
Proposals to increase the season by three and a half months at Winchelsea Beach Caravan Park will be discussed next week. Under the proposals, which will be examined by Rother District Council's planning committee on Thursday, April 18, the owners want to be allowed to keep the park open for eleven and a half months. There are currently 57 static caravans on the site on Pett Level Road.
Concerns have been raised by Icklesham Parish Council about flooding, sewage and over development, however the Environment Agency has not objected.
From the diary
On Saturday, April 13 Rye Community Garden is hosting a sustainable living forum, with a chance to discuss the local climate change plan. It's at Tilling Green Community Centre between 3pm and 5pm.
On Monday the Hub on Rye Hill is holding an open day. It takes place between 10:30am and 3:30pm, and is an opportunity to find more about what's on offer at The Hub.
Get in touch
If you see anything happening in and around Rye our email is info@ryenews.org.uk.
Catch up with breaking Rye News on Instagram and Threads @newsrye. On Facebook follow Rye News, and we are now on Twitter or X search for @NewsIRye.
