Ryecast

Local walks through the worst of times

Carolyn Gould from Playden says walking has helped her hugely following the death of her husband Dave in 2019. She’s been talking to Ryecast about her walks around Rye. “It’s been very difficult and it’s still not easy, but I find walking so calming and it allows me to switch off."

In an emotional edition of the podcast, Carolyn joined me for a blustery walk along the Tillingham Valley. We talked about where she walks, what she sees and hears, and how she shares her journey on social media and through her book “A Widow’s Walk”. It was lockdown that made her appreciate how her walks had been so beneficial. “Not getting out I really noticed how I needed to be walking. It totally became my best friend." As well as walking, we discuss dealing with grief as a single mother, and how she hopes her story will help others - even if it's just one person.

You can follow Carolyn on Instagram @walkingandwellbeing and her book “A Widow’s Walk” is available here https://amzn.eu/d/9Xi9q9s

Ryecast is presented & produced by James Stewart [email protected]

A passion for motorbikes & making a difference. Ryecast meets Mags Ivatts.

Mags loves her Harley-Davidson motorbike. Really loves it. The bike is called Harold and is decorated with drawings featuring the Battle of Hastings & designs from the Bayeux Tapestry. She is the latest local to be featured on the Ryecast podcast telling James Stewart about her travels across Europe from her home in Rye. “It’s a famous bike and I’m never going to part with it. The designs represent the area that I come from”.

Mags moved to Rye after many years living and working in Hastings. She's heavily involved in the Rye Foodbank which she says has helped thousands of people. “When we started it, it wasn't like it is now. It was just me and three grandmas and we were lucky to see ten people a week. That’s now changed and many more people rely on it. The generosity of this community is absolutely breathtaking.”

@ryecastsussex 
www.ryecast.org
[email protected]

Ryecast is back - with another series of podcasts about the people living & working in our town. This week’s edition is all about Rye harbour master James Bateman. James Stewart joined him on board his launch, Rother IV, during a routine check on the condition of the navigation lights that keep sailors safe. Along the way there are seals and birds, and a chance to look at Rye’s flood protection and the work on Strand Quay. It’s a totally different way of seeing Rye, with a unique view of the fishing fleet and yachts moored up at the quays and marina.

It’s not just smaller vessels. Last year around 40 bigger ships came up the channel, each one needing help from James and his team to guide them in. Over 90,000 tonnes of cargo was unloaded at Rastrum Wharf in 2022.

Back on dry land, the conversation continues at the harbour offices. On the wall a wooden board lists the Rye harbour masters going back to 1850. "I’m proud to be part of that history. I’m number 12 . It’s a life choice as well as a job," he says. Brought up on Romney Marsh, James has been in charge at the harbour for 12 years, returning to the area after many years working at sea.

What's your story? Get in touch @ryecastsussex on social media or [email protected] email.  And for more about the podcast visit www.ryecast.org

After a short break - Happy New Year by the way - Ryecast is back for another series of podcasts all about Rye. Here's a short preview episode recorded whilst James gets interviewed & photographed for a feature in Rye News. KT Bruce shares her tips for taking the best photos whilst trying to get a smile out of James in the Gun Garden by Rye Castle.

You can read the Rye News article here.

The first full episode of Ryecast is on the way, with more stories about life in our town over the coming weeks. In the meantime, dig into earlier episodes to hear your friends and neighbours in their own words.

And Ryecast is looking for your help with a few future episodes.
- What would you like to ask the area's Sussex Police Commander?
- Not long til the Coronation. Have you met King Charles?
- It's now luxury flats, but what are your memories of Rye's nightclub by the level crossing? Granary Club, Club Horizon or just "The Club". Get in touch.

It's @ryecastsussex on social media and the email is [email protected]

The first series of Ryecast is now complete. There are ten podcast episodes available online and downloadable, each one featuring stories about people who live here in Rye. I’ve met so many interesting Ryers over the course of the last six months, each one sharing their love of town, which is why I’ve pulled together an extra episode of Ryecast celebrating why they think Rye is so special.

 Many thanks to everyone who’s got involved, suggested a story, and given time to be interviewed. Thanks also to the team at Rye News who’ve been brilliantly supportive and full of ideas.

Recording starts on series two in the new year, with the first new episode ready by the end of January. If you’d like to be featured or have a podcast idea please get in touch. You can find all the contact details at www.ryecast.org where there are also links to Ryecast social media and more information about the first series.

This week’s Ryecast features two local men who have collaborated on a new picture book for young children. “Daisy and the Sneezee” has been written & illustrated by David Angell and Oliver Brooks who both live in Rye. They’ve been telling James Stewart about the story behind the book and discussing their favourite authors – including some of Rye’s most famous writers.

They’re entering a crowded marketplace competing against best-selling celebrity authors, but they’re both inspired by the creativity of Rye today and the town’s long history of writing. “I didn’t grow up here, but as a child I read The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Rye’s Joan Aitken,” says Oliver “I read the Captain Pugwash stories too. It’s only living here I’ve discovered John Ryan’s house in the town.” For David, Rye’s thriving creative community has also helped his writing. “There’s a culture of collaboration here. Everyone has a story to tell. Who wouldn’t be inspired by this beautiful town.”

You can buy Daisy and the Sneezee at Ethel Loves Me on the High Street or from www.sneezee.co.uk.

This week’s Ryecast celebrates the Ryebellion Drummers

The sound is deafening. Each Monday evening the Community Centre on Conduit Hill in Rye shakes as Ryebellion rehearse. Our town’s drumming group are getting ready for November’s bonfire celebrations, with over 40 drummers following the lead of Musical Director Robert Draper. He’s been telling Ryecast's James Stewart about the music they play, some of which is unique to Rye. “A Sussex Bonfire is an assault on the senses, The sights, the sounds, the smells, and the drumming is becoming increasingly important to add drama”.

Founded jn 2017, Ryebellion is the drumming section of the Rye & District Bonfire Society. Ruth Palmer is one of the original drummers who set up the group. She says you don’t need a musical talent to have fun. “You just follow the beat and do what you can. As you get more confident, you do more. Just give it a go”.

You can hear more from Ruth & Robert, some very loud drumming, and the stories of members of the group on this week’s podcast. And if you’d like to join Ryebellion, drop into rehearsals each Monday at 7.30pm at the Community Centre or visit their website www.ryebellion-drummers.com

This week's Ryecast features volcanoes, circuses, and a hasty move to Rye all thanks to Donald Trump. 

For over thirty years Graham Ellis, who was brought up in East Sussex, lived an idyllic life off grid on Hawaii teaching circus skills. He’s been telling Ryecast about his adventures on the volcanic island, and how it all came to an end thanks to the former US President and a decades old cannabis conviction. Deported back to the UK, he’s been living in Rye for the past year teaching juggling, giving talks on environmental sustainability, and playing an active part in the Rye Community Garden where he’s the compost expert.

If you want juggling lessons or advice on sustainable living from Graham, his email is [email protected]

To suggest a story for Ryecast email [email protected] 

This week’s Ryecast has the definitive answer on how to pronounce the name of our castle – from THE expert. How do you say Ypres Castle?  Rye Museum Chairman Jo Kirkham MBE explains all as she shares her knowledge & passion for Rye’s history and heritage, and chooses her favourite artefact. Plus, as she looks back at  half a century as a Rye town councillor and many years as a JP,  what would she change about Rye?

Ryecast presenter James Stewart has also been talking to Rye Museum director Juliet Duff who’s celebrating the museum’s contents, and what they tell us about our town’s history, in a series of articles for Rye News. For Juliet, it’s a very personal connection to a treasured painting of Rye.

Acknowledgements

Rye Castle & Museum website

Juliet’s article in Rye News

Got a story for Ryecast? Get in touch [email protected] or follow @ryecastsussex on social media

This week’s Ryecast recreates the day when one of the world’s literary greats visited Rye’s Flower & Vegetable show – and talks to the organisers of this year’s event.

Charles Dickens made a day trip to the Rye District Horticultural Society Show in 1852. Excerpts from his journal – read by local actor Ian Klemen – detail his thoughts about our town and describe the tents and produce on show. Dickens was hugely impressed by what he saw,  writing that “there was the most refined politeness in the whole spirit and manner of this little confabulation”. For Ian, playing Dickens is a first in a long career

The current organisers of the show – which takes place on Saturday 3rd of September at the Rye Community Centre – are proud to be continuing a long tradition. Lorna Hall and Helena Hudd restarted what’s now called The Rye Flower & Veg Show 17 years ago and have been telling Ryecast presenter James Stewart about why they’re so passionate about it. They explain how to enter, who can take part, and reflect on what Dickens has to say.

You can read more about Charles Dickens' visit to Rye and a link to his journal at www.ryecast.org.

For more about this year’s show visit www.ryeflowerandvegshow.co.uk