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Writer's pictureJane Brook

September Newsletter 2023

Say Hello!


This month we welcome the following new members:

Headlining our newsletter is the announcement of our Annual General Meeting. Only members are invited to this meeting to vote on important decisions - have your say!

We are delighted that the AGM will take place in the splendid ballroom of The George and during the proceedings, afternoon tea will be served. All very civilised!

Over the year we have regularly asked for feedback from members as to the best days/times to hold events. We have found that opinion is always divided with many saying that evening events are too difficult to attend. In response to that, and in the hope that we will attract some member businesses who haven’t managed to join one of our events this year we decided an out of season, mid-week, mid-afternoon event might be more accessible. We have a busy agenda for the meeting and will be asking members to vote on several important issues so please come along in order to have your opinion count. This is a free event but we need you to please register so that the venue has accurate numbers and your dietary requirements are catered for. Click here to REGISTER.

 

Rye Roundup: your at-a-glance digest of Chamber news for the last month


  • Our Autumn Networking Event took place on Wednesday 13th September at Rye Wharf. Well attended by both members and non-members, it was a very enjoyable and informative evening. Richard Benge, MD of Rastrum Ltd gave us a walking tour of the facilities before we arrived at the Maker’s Space run by Jo and Jason of Ethel Loves Me. Jo and Jason also kindly provided beer and prosecco for the event and we enjoyed fabulous pizza courtesy of Wild Flame Pizza. Emily van Eyssen of Remote Recruitment gave us a fascinating insight into the cost benefits of SMEs outsourcing admin/bookkeeping/social media to remote/virtual staff in South Africa.

  • Rye Chamber has been approached by Rye Harbour Sailability who are seeking to recruit a new trustee. This charity enables people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the experience of sailing. If you are interested in applying to be a trustee of the charity, please get in touch with them direct – www.ryeharboursailability.org/


  • Following the suggestion on the WhatsApp group, Rye Chamber researched the cost of branded reusable cups for bars and restaurants to use around the town during Rye Festivals. This creative sustainable idea that has been used with great success in Hastings has been put out to members who own licenced premises for consideration. Unfortunately, little response thus far. Any business who want to champion The Rye Cup initative please get in touch with the Chamber.

  • Rye Chamber currently owns a working set of radios which were once part of the Shop Watch Scheme. The scheme has long since disbanded as most shop owners use WhatsApp groups to keep each other updated on issues in the town. We will be voting on the future use of the radios at the AGM.

  • Applications for listings on the next edition of the Rye Town Map are still open and members can apply via https://domainsupport.uk/rye-town-map/

  • Friends of Rye Station held a meeting on 8th September to discuss the potential for seeking funding to help develop the site for community led projects. The Chamber and 1066 will continue to liaise with this group with regards to the future of the signage outside the station.

  • Cllr. Sophie Judge held an open meeting at the Brewery Yard Club on the 26th of September to discuss plans for both Late Night Shopping on the 18th of November and the Christmas in Rye Festival on December 2nd. Having taken on board feedback from last year, it has been decided to keep the two events separate. Late Night Shopping plans are being overseen by a small committee led by chamber members Fran and Vickie from Simply Rye. They will be visiting shops, bars and eateries around the town over coming weeks to encourage participation. Town traders are also being asked to support the Christmas festival on the 2nd of December with as many street stalls and activities as possible. Sarah from Rye Chamber will be looking to engage interest and ideas from members for this event over the next few weeks. A further update on Christmas activity will be given at the Chamber AGM. Rother disctrict council have agreed to the following PARKING CONCESSIONS:

From 4pm

Saturday 18th November (late night shopping)

All day

Saturday 2nd Dec (Christmas Festival)

Saturday 9th Dec

Saturday 16th Dec

(*Cinque Ports Street, The Strand, Bedford Place, Lucknow Place and Gibbet Marsh car parks)

  • The Chamber has assisted Visit 1066 with the itinerary for a visit from Food & Travel Magazine who are writing a feature on East Sussex Food & Wine for an 8-10 page spread in their autumn 2024 edition. The long lead time on this is so the feature can include imagery of wine making which is taking place at this time of year. Given the specific nature of the brief some non-Chamber/1066 members have also benefited from this PR opportunity, and it is hoped that this will perhaps encourage them to consider membership going forward.

  • A 1066 Members Meeting took place on Tuesday 26th September. Members were updated on the transition of the administration of the partnership from Hastings Borough Council to Rother District Council which is now almost complete. Jane Ellis and Sarah French who were at the helm of the partnership at HBC are transferring to Rother and this will ensure a seamless continuation of work, not to mention wealth of experience and knowledge of members. The meeting was a very positive one, it is very clear that members feel they get excellent value for money from their membership fees and there were many ideas shared growing the membership. The partnership needs to grow in order to generate a bigger tourism budget for the area which has been compromised by the withdrawal of funding from cash-strapped Hastings Borough Council. If you aren’t already a 1066 member but would like to be then do remember that there is a discounted dual membership for Rye Chamber members – get in touch if you’d like to take advantage of this.

  • Gatwick Airport Northern Runway. By registering with the Planning Inspectorate, you will be able to have your say about Gatwick Airport’s use of the Northern Runway in scheduled operations. https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020005/register/register-have-your-say

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

  • Road Works will recommence in October to complete the resurfacing of the A259 between Brenzett and Rye having been paused for the main holiday peak. Please note that works are subject to change due to weather conditions. Businesses and residents within the closure area will have access maintained.

    • On Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th October the A259 Brenzett Roundabout will be fully closed from 8pm and 6am.

    • From Thursday 12th to Monday 16th October the A259 will be closed at the junction with Camber Road on weeknights from 8pm to 6am.

    • From Tuesday 17th to Wednesday 25 October the A259 will be closed between Camber Road heading west to where it passes over the river Rother - weeknights from 8pm to 6am

  • Little Gate Farm's 10th Anniversary Black Tie event on Saturday 14th October at the Relais Cooden Beach. This celebratory evening will also be a fundraiser to support their work. If you’d like to book tickets or a table you can find out more here – https://buytickets.at/littlegatefarm1/970300

  • Don't forget our Annual General Meeting on Weds 18th October Register now!

  • Late Night Shopping 18th November.

  • Christmas In Rye Festival 2nd December.

 

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