There's more from Noel at a special event at Rye Community Centre in March. It's been organised by the Rotary Club of Rye & Winchelsea in aid of Rye Heritage Centre between 10 am and 2pm on Saturday March 30. You'll be able to talk to Noel, and see some of his vast collection of photographs. It's £5 entry include tea, coffee and cake.

And if you have a suggestion about who to talk to next email me ryecastsussex@gmail.com

Ryecast is made in Rye by James Stewart

Over Christmas and New Year Rye News ran a social media campaign sharing some of the many reasons why people love Rye (spoiler alert: it’s the people). It was Natasha Robinson’s idea – she’s the paper’s Instagram whizz. You can hear her suggestion in this week’s Ryecast, as well as ideas from the rest of the Rye News team.

So, what’s yours? Why do you love Rye? Me? Thanks for asking! I love Rye because everyone has a story to tell (which is pretty handing if you’re making a podcast). And…because it’s home.

Search for Ryecast wherever you get your podcasts or click on www.ryecast.org

Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart

I’ve recorded Ryecast on the river, on the beach, in a shed, in a garage, and loads of other places around Rye. There have been intimate one on one conversations and chats recorded in the middle of Rye’s big events. I’ve met countless people who’re doing something amazing in Rye and I’ve found out so much more about the town which is now my home. Huge thanks to everyone who has given their time to be interviewed.

I thought long and hard about coming up with a big theme for this edition of Ryecast…and then gave up. It’s really nothing more complicated than people who love our town sharing their stories, so that’s what you’ll hear this week. I’ll put a full list of who’s included on the website and I hope you’ll be encouraged to dip into the Ryecast archive, as there are now over 35 episodes up online. Just search for Ryecast wherever you get your podcasts or visit www.ryecast.org.

I’ve a long list of locals to talk to in 2024, most of them suggested by Rye News readers or podcast listeners, but do get in touch with anymore ideas. The email is ryecastsussex@gmail.com  

Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart

He was one of the biggest names of the twentieth century, but for a local musician Muhammad Ali was a close friend and inspiration as they travelled the world together. This week’s Ryecast meets Ali’s favourite songwriter Michel, who lives in Hastings but is recuperating in Rye Hospital at the moment.

As part of the podcast there’s some amazing archive featuring both men. A long lost 1970’s tv show “With love from Muhammad Ali” was found a few years ago and shows the close connection between musician and boxer. Michel recounts how the two met, made an album, and chatted about everything else apart from boxing. Although Ali did show him how to throw a punch…

Michel was so inspired by Ali’s warmth and generosity he set up a charity www.thekindnessoffensive.com which aims to help others through small & large acts of random kindness.

I’ve put links to the tv show and Michel’s music on the podcast website www.ryecast.org  It’s well worth a watch to see the most famous sportsman of the last century and the genuine relationship he had with Michel.

Thanks to Rye Hospital for getting in touch with Michel's story and to his son David Goodfellow (Muhammad Ali was his godfather) for setting up the interview

I listened in on rehearsals to hear some of the stories of the people in the choir, and their leader Carly Bryant. Everyone taking part has their own reasons for joining in - for some it’s a chance to make friends, for others it’s the joy of singing to lift spirits after a long day. And as you’ll hear on the podcast, it’s a much-needed sense of community for many of the singers, bringing together friends and neighbours.

The Marsh Choir was set up by Carly Bryant, with branches all across the Romney Marsh and some world-famous celebrity supporters. The local groups come together for some huge performances at the Cathedral of The Marsh in Lydd, with new members always welcome to sing from a repertoire of pop and rock, as well as the classics. 

To find out more visit https://www.marshchoir.com and do watch them in action on Saturday evening 18th November outside The George in Rye as part of www.ryechristmasfestival.co.uk

Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart

His ambition is to make the event even more family friendly, moving the start time of the bonfire and fireworks an hour earlier this year, and welcoming the closure of the train station for the night. “The town does get very crowded, and as much as we love visitors coming to Rye, we’re also keen that local people get a good spot to see the procession and enjoy the evening. So calming things down a bit but keeping the traditions of the past.” On the evening, the Sussex bonfire societies parade through the town ending at The Salts where a boat is burnt on a huge bonfire, followed by fireworks. And he can’t wait. “It’s the satisfaction of putting on a successful event and everyone enjoying themselves I look forward to. When we’re clearing up what’s left of the bonfire on a cold morning it’s good to remember the happy faces of people in Rye.”

You can hear more about how James Foster sees Rye Bonfire, past and present, on this week’s edition of the Ryecast. For the full timetable of this year’s pageant visit www.ryebonfire.co.uk

Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart

In the staff rest area, I’ve been talking to Fran Clent who’s the company secretary of the charity that runs the hospital with the NHS, and Jacky Dudfield the vice chair of the hospital’s trustees and chair of the League of Friends.  As well as hearing about the century’s old tradition of healthcare on the site, we look ahead to the future. The new Hub is now up and running, work on a new care home starts next year, and there’s an ambition to bring a minor injuries unit to the hospital, as well as taking the charity to the next level with the appointment of a CEO.

Feeling inspired to help?  I hope you will be too after listening to the podcast. Our hospital needs more volunteers to work in reception, fundraise, organise events, sort out the gardens and especially spend time talking to patients, some of whom don't get many visitors. If you'd like to find out more email francesca@ryehospital.org.uk. There's loads about the hospital history at www.ryehospital.org.uk. You can hear Ryecast wherever you get your podcasts - just search for Ryecast - or visit www.ryecast.org.

Ryecast is presented & produced in Rye by James Stewart

On this week’s Ryecast there are stories about the press & politics, together with tales of some infamous Whitehall parties (not the one’s you’re thinking about). There are big stories and big characters, along with a fascination with Rye’s history and the reasons behind his drive to make the most out of life.

Charlie’s edition of the podcast is Ryecast number 25. Why not have a dig around in the archive to hear more stories about the people and places that make Rye so special.

Ryecast is produced and presented in Rye by James Stewart

Along the way, there was singing, speeches and stories - and this week's Ryecast celebrates the day's events, talking to some of those taking part, locals & visitors enjoying the spectacle, and finding out more about the history thanks to the Rye Heritage Centre.

And there's more than you could ever want to know about bloaters. You'll understand when you listen...

Ryecast is presented & produced by Rye resident James Stewart @ryecastsussex ryecastsussex@gmail.com

The charity, which also recruits volunteers to help the emergency services, has placed defibrillators all around Rye and the surrounding villages. It’s encouraging locals to get to know how the kit works in the hope of saving more lives.

This week’s Ryecast talks to volunteers and trainees. If you’d like to know more about the charity – and where to find a local defibrillator – visit www.rotherresponders.org.uk.  Look out for their fundraisers too, as each kit costs £1500 to buy and £150 to maintain each year.

Ryecast is presented and produced by Rye resident James Stewart.

The soundcape is part of the SongMaps Rye project which has seen local people collaborate with artists to tell the story of climate change. There’s art, poetry, music, and in this podcast – sound. I made the recordings on a walk from home on Udimore Road to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve a few days ago. You’ll hear the birds in my back garden, more birds at Cadborough Cliff and by the railway line, the sound of a heavy downpour on Mermaid Street, the sheep in the fields next to the harbour road, and then more wildlife in the reserve itself.

For the techies it was recorded on a Zoom HN4 Pro in stereo, so you’ll hear bees and insects buzzing from left to right and the trains darting in and out of range. Plus the train horns. Lots of train horns.

So headphones on. It’s twenty minutes to relax and surround yourself with what Rye sounds like with no people…apart from the man with the chainsaw chopping branches on the 1066 Walk...

You can hear Ryecast wherever you get your podcasts or visit www.ryecast.org.

Ryecast is presented and recorded by Rye resident James Stewart ryecastsussex@gmail.com

After the class we grab a coffee at Camber Landing as Jo tells me about how the nature around Rye inspires her, leaving the stresses of London life behind, and how she enjoys helping others through her sessions. As well as yoga on the beach, there’s a yurt in Appledore where she hosts retreats including full moon ceremonies. She tells me she doesn’t miss her old lifestyle. "I’d just come back from a gruelling trip and discovered a new yoga class setting up at the end of my road. I knew things needed to change, so I gave it a go. And here I am now!”

You can hear more about Jo’s journey, and how I got on with my first yoga class (spoiler alert: I'm not very supple...), on this week’s Ryecast podcast 

Find out more about Jo Allen, beach yoga and her retreats here https://www.the-humblewarrior.co.uk/

Namaste.

Ryecast is presented and produced by Rye resident James Stewart. Search for Ryecast to find all the previous episodes or visit www.ryecast.org. What’s your story? Email ryecastsussex@gmail.com

The second episode it’s all about her family, holidays in pre-war Germany and a famous school friend, but this edition is about her life as a pilot and her travels all over the world. I’ve been talking to Diana at her home near Rye.  

The second part of our interview comes out next week.

Read more about Diana in Rye News

Ryecast is presented and produced by Rye resident James Stewart. Search for Ryecast to find all the previous episodes or visit www.ryecast.org. What’s your story? Email ryecastsussex@gmail.com

You can find more about Miriam and "Second Chances" on her website https://miriammcguirk.com/ and there's more in this Rye News article

Ryecast is presented & produced by Rye resident James Stewart www.ryecast.org @ryecastsussex ryecastsussex@gmail.com

Plus there are questions from Rye News readers about the uncertain future of Rye police station, tackling crime & anti-social behaviour, drug taking, and confidence in the police following recent scandals in London.

A detective with 22 years service, he now leads a team of 65 officers and staff looking after policing across Rye and much of East Sussex. He says he’s invested in helping the most vulnerable in the community, and talks about his work on the child protection team and how an eight year old boy showed him how he was making a difference to people’s lives.

You can find the statistics about crime in Rye here and here’s the link to the Rye News article

What's your story? Get in touch @ryecastsussex on social media or ryecastsussex@gmail.com on email

As well as starring in TV commercials, Lee was part of a novelty dance group called The Blobbindales - an act based on The Chippendales only much larger.  The podcast is full of Lee’s showbiz stories and memories, as he looks back on his life in the spotlight which includes performing with Fat Les singing “Vindaloo” on Top of the Pops. Another TV show saw him singing with Lionel Richie - even though he says he can hardly sing a note.

Now running a party balloon company in East Sussex, Lee helps some of Rye’s small firms through his work with the FSB.

If you want to know more about the local work of the FFSB email
lee.harrington@fsb.org.uk.

Ryecast is produced & presented by James Stewart @ryecastsussex & www.ryecast.org

With most arts projects you kind of know what’s going to happen from the outset. SongMaps Rye is a bit different. Not only is it all about how Rye continues to be affected by climate change, there really isn’t a plan of what will be created - at least not yet. There will be though, as we'll find out in July. On this week’s Ryecast, I’ve been meeting the artists who’re working with local people to collaborate and create something special.

I joined one of their events at Tilling Green Community Centre as Andy Dinsdale from Strandliners explained how his work on the local seashore gives him first-hand experience of Rye’s changing environment. He’s one of the experts helping the team understand what’s happening in a series of workshops over the next couple of months. For writer and eco poet Morgan the changing climate is something she’s all too familiar with at home in Rye Harbour. She hopes SongMaps Rye will give local people a voice. “Hearing other people’s views and transforming them creatively and artistically really excites me.”

It’s not just about poetry, artists and musicians have also been brought together in Rye by two London based arts organisations.  as you’ll hear on this week’s Ryecast - along with an explanation about what a song map is. 


Ryecast is presented and produced by James Stewart www.ryecast.org @ryecastsussex

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 ryecastsussex@gmail.com

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
ryecastsussex@gmail.com

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 ryecastsussex@gmail.comon email.  And for more about the podcast visit www.ryecast.org

 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.

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.

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

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 alohajuggler@gmail.com

To suggest a story for Ryecast email Ryecastsussex@gmail.com 

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 ryecastsussex@gmail.com or follow @ryecastsussex on social media

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

In this week’s edition of Ryecast, James Stewart has been talking to Manager Simon Parsons and Chairman Chris Hoggart about the difficulties they face.  There’s more on the fascinating history of the model and a look ahead to future plans. Volunteers Lynne and Lorraine explain why they love meeting visitors to the Centre, and  a mother from Paris shows  her daughter the model thirty years after her first visit. 

If you’d like to volunteer at Rye Heritage Centre, ask for manager Simon Parsons at reception on the Strand Quay or visit www.ryeheritage.co.uk

Ryecast is Rye’s new podcast. You can hear it by searching for Ryecast in Apple, Spotify etc or by visiting www.ryecast.org. Plus if you’ve got a story or a suggestion about who James should feature next, email ryecastsussex@gmail.com

It’s a friendly, social walk led by Nick Harding every Monday at 10am starting from the Gibbet Marsh Car Park. Nick describes the health benefits of the walk, shares his love of walking around our town, and explains to James why the blackberries along this week’s route aren’t for eating – in spite of the plentiful supply.

You can find more details about the Rye Health Walk in the Rye News events section or at The Conservation Volunteers website.  For more walks in East Sussex organized by TCV click here.

Ryecast is Rye’s new podcast. You can hear it by searching for Ryecast in Apple, Spotify etc or by visiting www.ryecast.org. Plus if you’ve got a story or a suggestion about who James should feature next, email ryecastsussex@gmail.com

Stuart Cooper is an IT consultant but outside work he combines his passions for flying and photography by taking stunning shots of Rye from high in the air using drones. He's been showing presenter James Stewart how to handle a drone, as well as talking about his love of nature especially butterflies. 

Mark Tozer has recently opened a new Estate Agency in Rye. After decades in the business, he believes buying and selling a property can be done differently. Plus he's been telling James how the music of Elvis Presley and Blues guitarist Buddy Guy play such a big part in his life.

Betty, who’s lived in Rye Harbour almost all her life, was one of the Lifeboat Ladies fundraising thousands for kit and equipment. She talks about her worries for her husband Terry whilst he was at sea on a rescue, and her pride in her family’s involvement in the RNLI. Paul, who met his wife Claire at the lifeboat station, gives presenter James Stewart a quick tour of the latest boat “Hello Herbie Two” and explains how the volunteers who support the lifeboat come from all walks of life - including his two daughters.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Ryecast is all about Rye, so if you’ve a suggestion for a story or fancy getting involved get in touch. You can find out more about Ryecast at www.ryecast.org You can either hear it on the website or by searching for Ryecast where you normally find your podcasts. You can email with story suggestions and ideas to ryecastssussex@gmail.com or follow @ryecastsussex on Twitter

Ryecast is presented and produced by journalist and Rye resident James Stewart

Art work by Mark Baker www.cratch.co.uk
Music by www.purple-planet.com/