Explore every episode of the podcast Ryecast

Hidden away on an industrial estate in Winchelsea Beach, wrestlers from across southern England train twice a week in a professional ring at the Black Harbour Club. This week's Ryecast is all about the Extreme Academy of Wrestling.

The club is run by Stu Allen - or The Dominator - who explains why he is so passionate about wrestling and helping others to achieve their dreams, plus how the sport has helped him deal with addiction and stress. It's very different from his last full time job as a mortician.  The club opened in Winchelsea Beach last year - you'll find out why on the podcast.

Two wrestlers also share their reasons for taking part. Luke Sibson - or F L X - wants to entertain, get fit, and represent the LGBT+ community. When he's not in the ring he's a teacher and also hosts his own podcast dedicated to the Heartstopper tv show. Taylor Leigh - or Lupo - has big ambitions and plenty of success. He lives for wrestling at the weekend and explains how taking part in the sport has got him through the worst of times.

There are pictures on the Ryecast website. Full details about Extreme Academy of Wrestling on the Facebook page, and Stu also has has his own podcast. Search for Stiff Right Hand.

Ryecast is made in Rye by James Stewart

Stories from around the corner and across the world.

"Have you talked to Noel Varley?" Most weeks someone will say that to me when I've been looking for people to talk to for Ryecast. He's the subject of this edition of Rye's podcast with stories of growing up in wartime Rye and adventures in far off places. He's a well known face and voice around town, a member of Rye Rotary and local boatbuilder for many years. But, and you may need to sit down at this point, he's actually a Yorkshireman...

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

Ryecast is back for 2024, with loads of locals lined up to tell their story. The first proper episode of what’s now series 3 gets published next week, but until then here’s a bonus episode called “I love Rye because…”

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

This week’s Ryecast is a bit different – it’s a look back at some of the interesting people I’ve talked to in 2023. Just a few of the friends and neighbours I’ve met whilst making the twenty episodes of the podcast this year. Recognise anyone?

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

The boxer’s favourite musician on their close bond

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

Every Thursday evening the Creative Centre – the old school – on New Road in Rye is filled with the sound of joyful singing. Ryecast joined the fifty or so people putting in some last-minute practice ahead of a special performance by The Marsh Choir outside The George on the High Street, as part of the Rye’s late-night shopping.

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

James Foster will always remember Saturday November 11 2023. It’ll mark his first Rye Bonfire as Chairman of the team that has been working hard for months to make this year’s event happen. He’s been telling Ryecast about the challenges of putting on such an important night in Rye and how proud he is of continuing his family’s involvement over many decades. “I think I must have been about ten when I went to my first Rye Bonfire. I remember wearing a long black coat and a black top hat. It was a load of fun, and even then, I knew it was part of a big tradition in Rye. A big privilege to be part of it, and it still is.” 

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

Ryecast: How you can help the hospital at the top of the hill.

I’ve driven past Rye Hospital so many times, but possibly like many I haven't really much of an idea what goes on there. For this weeks Ryecast I’ve had the chance to find out more - and to hear about an innovative team thinking big. There’s some impressive ambition at the top of Rye Hill which our town should be really proud of, as you’ll hear on the podcast. 

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

Meet Charlie Harkness. Known around town as a former editor of Rye News, he’s also served as a Rye Town Councillor, but there’s so much more to talk about. After a long career in journalism, he made the move into comms and ended up working in Westminster for successive governments. 

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

What a brilliant day in Rye! Hundreds of visitors enjoying the re-enactment of the day 450 years ago when Queen Elizabeth the first visited our town. As in 1573, a procession made it's way through Rye, this time though it was led by actors from Rye Players, town crier Paul Goring, the Sing It Out choir, the Rye Herrings shanty group and, of course, the Ryebellion Drummers. 

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

Would you know how to help someone having a heart attack? Thousands of people around Rye do, thanks to Rother Responders - a fantastic local charity that’s just put in place its 20th defibrillator. The machine has been installed at Suttons on Sea Road Winchelsea Beach and to mark the occasion Rother Responders held a  session to teach local people (and me) how to use it.

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.

It’s amazing what you hear when you really listen. That’s what the latest edition of Ryecast  is all about, with a special podcast featuring recordings made around Rye. Mostly just the wildlife. A twenty minute montage of birds, bees, sheep, wind, rain, and a few dogs too.

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

Beach yoga is on the agenda for this week’s Ryecast as I join Joanna Allen from “The Humble Warrior” for one of her classes on Camber Sands. She’s back in Rye after some huge life changes which have seen her leave behind a highly stressed job in fashion and replace it with teaching meditation and mindfulness. She says: “From what I was doing then to what I’m doing now, I’m totally unrecognisable. It’s so different but so much better.”

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.

As promised, this edition of Ryecast features more stories from Diana Patten. Last time it was all about flying – even now in her late eighties she’s still flying and earlier this year she took to the skies above Rye in a spitfire. There are more stories about speed – this time on land and at sea – in this podcast, but first it’s all about her family, her childhood, and a very famous schoolfriend.

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

Diana Patten is just the best company. Full of fascinating stories. So much so I’ve two episodes about her exciting life. She’s a pilot and even now in her late eighties she’s still flying – just last week she was up in the skies high above Rye…doing aerobatics too. A real pioneer - though she says she isn't - Diana has been responsible for generations of pilots learning to fly at Headcorn airfield in Kent

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

When you wake up tomorrow, Miriam McGuirk will have already been up for hours working in her shed in Valley Park in Rye. She calls it her writing shack – a place to escape to when she’s writing and blogging.  Her latest book “Second Chances” was partly written here, as she’s been telling me on the latest edition of Ryecast. We also discuss her childhood in Ireland, her love of outdoor swimming, and why her own second chance helped her be more Miriam. It’s an emotional interview, with some wise advice for you if you're also struggling to make a change in your life.

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

Ryecast this week is all about the police in Rye with an interview with Chief Inspector Jay Mendis-Gunasekera, the Sussex Police Area Commander for Hastings & Rother. He’s been telling James Stewart about his team, his priorities and how he thinks policing has changed for the better.

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

The big showbiz past of Rye's small business rep.

Lee Harrington is a lot lighter these days, but back in the day, our local lead for the Federation of Small Businesses used to weigh forty stone, becoming well known for his acting, modelling and dancing. He’s been telling me about working with the likes of Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis and Michael Caine on this week's Ryecast.

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

Sometimes making the pod I have genuinely no idea about what I'll end up talking to local people about. That's why I love Ryecast. In theory this episode is all about the first Rye Arts & Crafts Fair, but as well as hearing from the creatives and makers manning the stalls in the Community Centre about their work, we end up discussing so much more. Not least our love of Rye. And scary dolls. And neutering cats. And the Knights of the Round Table. As you do.

Plus a chat with Jackie Brooks, the organizer of the Fair. Another Ryer who had a brilliant idea and went for it.

Pics at www.ryecast.org
If you want to get involved in the next Fair email Jackie RyeArtsandCraftsFair@gmail.com
For Terry Davies wood work visit www.terrencedavieswoodartist.co.uk
Larry Wilson and his pots is @wilsonpottery on istagram
It's www.facebook.com/ndriverart for Naomi Driver
And Jane Fenn can be reached @miniatureheadmuseum on Instagram

Ryecast is presented and produced by James Stewart ryecastsussex@gmail.com

Meet the artists behind SongMaps Rye

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

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 ryecastsussex@gmail.com

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
ryecastsussex@gmail.com

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 ryecastsussex@gmail.comon 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 ryecastsussex@gmail.com

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 alohajuggler@gmail.com

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

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 ryecastsussex@gmail.com 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

One of Rye’s top tourist attractions faces a challenging future thanks to failing equipment, falling visitor numbers, and the cost-of-living crisis. The charity that runs the Rye Heritage Centre, home to the famous Rye Town Model, says it’s just about breaking even and is now appealing for more volunteers and support from the town. 

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

Travels around the world and life in Rye over the years are featured in this week’s Ryecast. Walkers on the Rye Health Walk have been telling their stories during their weekly stroll - this week to the Reedbed Viewpoint at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Presenter James Stewart joined the walkers – and a couple of dogs – to hear about life at sea and being drawn to Rye after living abroad.

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

Taking a different view of Rye is the theme of this week’s Ryecast. The town’s new podcast features two people who’re making a mark by doing something new in Rye - one entering a crowded market with a big vision, the other taking a hobby to new heights. Plus in episode 3 of Ryecast, you’ll hear stories of Elvis, The Blues, butterflies and Tiger Moths  

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.

Two people with family connections to the Rye Harbour Lifeboat going back many years are the subject of this week’s Ryecast. Betty Broocks who’s been fundraising for the RNLI for over half a century and current Lifeboat Operations Manager Paul Bolton have been telling Rye’s new podcast about their family’s long history of saving lives at sea.

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

The launch episode of Ryecast is live - just in time for Sussex Day. 

In this special edition of Rye's new podcast, our Town Crier has a special Cry, presenter James Stewart looks forward to future episodes by revealing his A to Z of the town, and there's the sound of a very frisky donkey....

James has spent the last few weeks gathering recordings around town, but he's completely failed when it comes to the letter Z. Can you help?  Email ryecastsussex@gmail.com

And if you visit the podcast webpage - www.ryecast.org - you can find out how you can get involved in making Rye's new podcast

Don't forget to subscribe - and follow @ryecastsussex on twitter

You can get more info about Town Crier Paul on his website https://paulgtoastmaster.com/
Both series of Channel Four's Mapp & Lucia  are available on DVD B0000C24DRVG
Captain Pugwash is also on DVD B001CD9KMSVG
As is The Quiet Woman DVD 5019322350125

Ryecast - the new podcast for Rye in East Sussex - launches  on Thursday the 16th of June.

Rye is full of people with a story to tell – and that’s what Ryecast is all about.  Aimed at locals and visitors alike, the podcast will look back at significant moments in Rye’s colourful history and celebrate life in the town today.  Ryecast will feature people who’ve made a difference to the town and find out why they think Rye is so special. There will be episodes on the things Rye is famous for, as well the stuff the town relies on every day. 

Ryecast will bring together lifetime Ryers and DFLs (Down from Londoners) in conversation, as well as getting to know the people who make Rye tick. And whilst the focus will be Rye and its residents, the podcast will also talk to some of the thousands who visit each year to find out why they love Rye too.

The podcast will be working closely with colleagues at Rye News on story ideas, plus Ryecast will be another way Rye News readers to be part of the debate about life in the town. 

The first episode of Ryecast is on Sussex Day, Thursday the 16th of June.

If you'd like to get involved or suggest a story, email ryecastsussex@gmail.com or message @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/