14 November 2010
The normal agenda was put to one side this month…
We were delighted that representatives of Tesco and Sainsburys were able to join us.
Everyone knows the story so far of the long running saga of the proposed second supemarket on the Lower School Site. However, no-one could have written the recent chapter whereby Sainsburys owns most of the land necessary to build the supermarket on the proposed site, but Tesco owns the vital bit that gives the necessary access to the site.
However, apparently it is quite common, which actually makes sense when you think about it. Tesco and Sainsburys are both very keen to be in Rye, and are equally keen to be in other parts of the country where they currently have no presence.
Tesco revealed plans for their 17,000 square feet store, similar in size to the Tenterden store, whereas Sainsburys is bigger at 20,000 square feet. Further development of store facilities would be limited due to the location and the site’s neighbours – the Rye College, houses and the railway line.
Both Tesco and Sainsburys are keen to get going in Rye and promise employment and support in the local community.
We await the conclusion of their land negotiations.
The Rye Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce its plans for Christmas…
Our Festival this year supports The Oliver Curd Trust again – a wonderful charity – see www.theolivercurdtrust.co.uk
Brochures (8,000 in total) are being distributed to traders, local businesses, Tourist Information Centre and Rye Heritage Centre, local households and to local schools in week commencing 15 November 2010.
Lights on lamposts are going up already, though a number have not survived from last year. Tesco have very kindly offerred financial support which has allowed us to purchase new lights. Without this support, parts of Rye may have looked quite dark. Further lights and baby Christmas trees will follow on businesses throughout Rye.
The Best Dressed Window Competition will be happening again this year and the theme is Christmas Morning.
The Festival is throughout December with a number of events taking place – see the Brochure for details – however there are two key dates…
4th December 2010 is a dedicated shopping day with a number of shops offering much more - from mulled wine, mince pies and discounts. Come and find out…
Then in the early evening we have the Lighting Up Ceremony with the Mayor’s Speech, Lighting Up of The George Christmas Tree followed by fireworks from The Salts.
11th December 2010 is the Magical Day… From Noon there will be events all through the Town. The shops will be open, of course, with many wonderful things on offer. There will be street entertainment, street stalls, the Charity Fayre in St Mary’s Church, and of course the Procession through the streets of Rye with Santa and his reindeer. Then Santa will retire to his Grotto at The Museum. If that is not enough, there will be an Evening Market at Strand Quay.
The Harbour Master has hinted that there may be pirates landing at Strand Quay looking for Treasure – watch this space!
On 21 September 2010, a meeting was held at Rye Police Station to promote and encourage the Radio Scheme in Rye. The Radio Scheme, whilst still in existence, with quite a few members still using the radios on a regular basis, needs further promotion to encourage new members to join the scheme and fight crime and shoplifting in Rye. The Police already have a radio and can therefore monitor radio traffic and respond as appropriate.
The Chamber of Commerce is to provide administrative support to the scheme. Frank May is to co-ordinate the publication of promotional literature and joining forms, which will then be distributed throughout the town. Frank May together with the Police will provide training to existing and new members. Funds are available to replace existing equipment, namely batteries, and to increase the stock of radios.
Traders who are interested in joining the scheme or who require assistance or training can contact the Chairmand of Rye Chamber – see “Contact Us”.
Presentations were given by:
- Chrissy Stower on the future activities of The Rye Partnership, which included how The Chamber and The Rye Partnership, together with other local bodies, need to engage with the new government initiatives including the newly formed Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs).
- Roger Crouch on the plans for the Rye Food Festival in October and the Christmas Festival in December. The Rye Scallop Festival is scheduled for February 2011.
- Mike Eve on the plans for the Further Education Centre in Rye and the newly established Fletchers Group who have alternative plans for the site to further promote the arts within Rye by having a bespoke theatre and cinema.
Other news:
- Tesco / Sainsbury – Chamber to invite both parties to a meeting to establish what is happening and the timeframe for the new store
- Rye Partnership to hold members’ meeting and meetings with individuals in the Town to decide future initiatives. Chamber asked to actively participate.
- Derick Holman has established the beginnings of a new Chamber Marketing Group to focus on marketing for traders in Rye, and to work alongside The Rye Marketing Group and HOTCATs.
- Carpark Refund Scheme to be reviewed and resurrected.
- Radio Scheme meeting planned for interested traders and Police.
- Rye Marketing Group holding a Marketing Forum Day at River Haven on 23 November – Chamber to take stall.
- Chamber to forge links with Tenterden Chamber and Tenterden Improve, and see if there are business interest groups west to Hastings and East to Folketsone – this may be very helpful for working the LEP.