One of the big themes in Rye at the moment is the search for more volunteers. Pretty well every charity or voluntary group in our town says it urgently needs more people to keep going.
The town relies on volunteers: cutting the grass on The Salts. Looking after visitors at Rye Heritage Centre. Driving the community bus. Serving customers at Rye Foodbank. Supporting Rye's Scouts and Guides. The town councillors. Rye Chamber. Keeping the town's sports clubs going. Raising money for Rye Hospital. Trying to find a solution to the Christmas lights...
It's a very, very long list - which should also include the way people in Rye help friends and neighbours with care and support.
Rye News wants to help.
In this week's paper, we've the story of the Sue Ryder charity shop on the High Street in Rye. They urgently need people to work in the shop, especially at the weekend. Can you help them out? You can read more about what the charity does and, more importantly, how you could join them here.
So here's an open invitation to local charities and voluntary groups. Get in touch with Rye News and let us publicize your search for new volunteers to our 6000+ readers each week. Just email info@ryenews.org.uk to start with.
But, in a town where almost everyone is doing something voluntary, shouldn't Rye do more to say thank you? So here's an idea. How about putting together a night to celebrate the people who do so much for us. An annual awards ceremony for the Ryers who make a difference to all our lives. We could name one of the awards after Jo Kirkham, the ultimate Rye volunteer. Who's up for it? Get in touch info@ryenews.org.uk
Whilst we're on about volunteers, Rye News always needs help too.
We’re looking for new people to report on life in Rye. You could be covering one of Rye’s many events, interviewing a fascinating local, chasing a breaking news story or following up leads from our readers – there’s no shortage of things or people to write about.
You could also help with putting the paper together: proof-reading and double-checking articles, selling advertising, creating social media, or publishing the paper on a Thursday afternoon.
The time commitment is up to you. Some people put in many hours a week, others send in a story every now and again. Like all the other voluntary organisations in Rye, we’re looking at building a bigger base of volunteers and supporters.
Get in touch by emailing info@ryenews.org.uk
