April Newsletter 2025
- Jane Brook
- Apr 30
- 7 min read
Welcome New Members!
The 1st of April was a BUSY day for Rye, not only was it the official handover day for Rye Leisure Centre to the new local team which was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, we also had several other VIPs in town focusing on businesses.
MHCLG visit to Rye
The Chamber was invited to a delicious lunch at The Mermaid with representatives from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MGCLG), the Bexhill Town Board and RDC. The meeting was an opportunity for the Chamber to provide an update on its two levelling up projects - the Business Improvement District (BID) development and the Official Rye AI Tourism Guide as well as share some insights and best practice on working with stakeholders.
Visit by the Business Minister
Later that same day the Minister for Small Business and Exports, Gareth Thomas joined Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore on a visit to the town. The Chamber was pleased to help arrange the afternoon’s agenda - a walkabout in the town centre speaking to shop and business owners followed by a round table at the Mermaid Inn with businesses from the town’s hospitality and retail sectors. RDC councillor for economic development - Christine Baylis also joined the discussion. Businesses challenged the Minister on business rates and VAT, along with national insurance rise, the burden of regulation and the growing problem of shoplifting.
BID Update
The Rye BID Task Group met for the first time at the beginning of the month. Sue from Mosaic gave a brief recap on how the process of our BID development will work and explained the timeline going forward. The group began discussions on what the priorities for Rye might be for a BID and it was clear that there is plenty to consider over the coming weeks and months.
BID engagement with businesses will now begin in earnest. The Mosaic Partnership will be getting in touch with every business within the defined Rye BID area. They will want to talk about your priorities for the town and how a BID might help make those changes possible. In the first instance Rye businesses in the BID area can expect to receive - via post - the first Rye BID Newsletter which will explain things in more detail, along with the launch of the Rye BID website which again will be the place to go for all things BID development related.
Please note: While the Rye Chamber is funding this process in full (thanks to the Levelling- Up funds we secured specifically for this project), the work now being undertaken is entirely independent from the Chamber, by Mosaic Partnership.
The group agreed meeting dates for the next few months. Thanks to task group member - Matt Breckon at The Kino for hosting this meeting.
Levelling Up - AI Tourism Project Update
Agreements are in place, contracts have been signed. The town council is in concert with our plans and the project is now fully underway. You’ll have to excuse us still being discreet at this stage but we will have some very exciting news in the near future.
Strand Quay Reopening
The Chamber attended the official opening of the Strand Quay following its major upgrade. The Environment Agency has spent £3.6m to make the quay safe and more attractive in an effort to boost the harbour as a visitor attraction and destination for boaters.
Early the same day - the Chamber met with members of HORAC and James Bateman the Harbour Master to discuss the potential for the Strand Quay. We have provided some topline ideas at this stage but the intention is to work more closely with the Environment Agency to develop a sustainable strategy and business plan for the area.
Town Council - Meeting with the Clerks
We reported in last month’s newsletter that the March town council meeting had included a discussion on stakeholder engagement. In response to that we prepared a strategy paper for stakeholder engagement with parishioners and we presented it to the clerks of the council when we met with them this month. We have asked that they share this with councillors for consideration. We will report back in due course.
A new Chair for 1066 Country Marketing
You may have already seen in Rye News last week but our very own Sarah Broadbent is now the Chair of 1066 Country Marketing having already been Rye Rep for the past five years. This is good news as it helps further join the dots at a time when the landscape of DMOs is changing alongside the reorganisation of local government. Congrats Sarah!
As Chair, Sarah will be a tremendous asset to 1066 Country as it navigates exciting opportunities and real challenges ahead. We’re incredibly lucky to have her representing our area on such an important platform and we know she’ll do it brilliantly!
Rye Disability Awareness Day
Rye Chamber took part in Rye Disability Awareness Day on 26th April. It was a real eye opener. We were challenged to experience Rye as wheelchair users for a few hours to make us more aware of the challenges faced by those for whom a wheelchair is a necessity. We were asked to try and access a disabled loo, visit shops, find a cafe we could get into easily, and see if we could use a cash point. As you will see from the photo (credit KT Bruce) Sarah didn’t anticipate feeling quite as vulnerable as she did - it was a very valuable learning experience for all. The exercise wasn’t to finger point at any of our businesses in Rye, everyone accepts that Rye’s unique landscape and history makes it an especially challenging environment - but in terms of raising awareness it has certainly given us some food for thought as to the small changes we might encourage businesses to adopt that would make a huge difference to wheelchair users - both those who live locally and for those who visit our lovely town. We’ll share some of our ideas with you soon and we’d welcome a discussion so we can help facilitate some changes. A huge well done to Dan Lake and his team for such a well planned event.
Summer Social
We’re very excited to announce our summer social event which will be held on Wednesday 18th June at the Rye Lawn Tennis Club from 6pm - 9pm. The club has a prestigious reputation and with a wide membership base, it promises to be a great opportunity for networking and for those who have not been to an event at the club, you are in for a treat - it's a fabulous venue! We'll have some essential Chamber updates, you can chat to members of the BID Task Group and hear about the planned launch of our Official AI Tourism Guide, plus Danielle Holter from ESCC to tell you about the 2nd round of Rural Business Grants Scheme and how to apply. Tatners Street Kitchen will be serving delicious supper, making this evening even more special. To top it all off, we'll be entertained with live music by the fabulous Logan Wilson. Click here for tickets.
Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Survey
RDC has called for responses to their Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Consultation. Thanks to those of you who have already passed on your views - you can still do so, or respond to the consultation directly via this link.
Rye Chamber & Wild Life Sussex Mighty Hike Update - Just Giving
Rye Chamber members are taking their training seriously as the Mighty Hike half marathon approaches. The event is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and you’ll find their fundraising page here. Many thanks to our supporters who have got us over half way there... the target for this Group is £750 - can you help us reach it?
Can we get a team together?
The Association of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES) have officially announced the date for the Inter-Chamber 5-a-Side Football Tournament. It’s all kicking off on Saturday 12th July 2025 at Eastbourne Sports Park (BN21 2UF).
If you’ve ever fancied showing off your football skills, redeeming yourself for that missed open goal in school, or just having a great laugh with fellow Chamber members. Now’s your chance. A high football skill isn't required, more about having fun
The details: Date: Saturday 12th July 2025 Location: Eastbourne Sports Park, BN21 2UF Cost: £15 per player Teams: 5 players on the pitch at a time, with 2 rolling substitutes. A total of 7 players per Chamber. Subs can rotate in and out freely throughout the matches.
Team Captains:We need one point of contact per team, someone we can liaise with for updates before the day and who can help us coordinate your chamber efficiently on-site.Whether your team is in it to win it or just in it for the post-match banter, it’s going to be a brilliant day. Come on Rye - what do you say? Email: info@ryechamber.org
And finally....
The Chamber has instigated an exciting project to establish rehearsal studios for musicians.
With so many talented individuals in our community, dedicated spaces for artistic expression and collaboration are essential to maintaining Rye’s rich creative heritage.
Many musicans remember with great fondess, Abandon Studios run by the late Michel Duvoisin which has left a gap in provision for Rye's musicians who now travel to Hastings, Ashford and beyond to find a suitable rehearsal space. This can be prohibitive, particularly for students and those who rely on public transport.
We are in talks with Rye College who have identified an unused building that might be suitable for the project. Early days, but watch this space! Interested in getting involved? Email: info@ryechamber.org
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Little Gate Farm Big Cream Tea
Sunday 18th May, 2pm Littlegate Farm £15pp advance bookings only
Chamber Summer Social
Wednesday 18th June 6pm-9pm, Rye Tennis Club Tickets
💚 Rye Chamber & Wildlife Sussex Coast Macmillan Mighty Hike
Friday 20th - 23rd June - Ballycastle, NI
ACES 5 A Side Football Tournament 12th July - Eastbourne Sports Park - contact us for more details
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See you next month!
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