Following the formalities of the AGM, there will be three presentations, as follows:

Rye Police Officers will inform members of 2010 targets for the police in Rye, together with an opportunity for the audience to put questions to the Police.

Roger Crouch has recently been appointed the Events Co-ordinator for Rye.  In particular, Roger will be responsible for co-ordinating the Rye Food Festival in October, the Christmas Festival in December and the Scallop Festival in February next year.  Whilst new to the position, Roger is keen to meet people interested in the festivals and any new ideas.

Robin Gordon of London Ashford Airport and LyddAir will be making a presentation on current developments at Lydd Airport.  He will happily take questions.

Whilst the meeting is not a Public Meeting, non-Chamber members are welcome to join us to find out more of the Chamber’s activities and what is going on in your Town and District.

The meeting was deliberately held after the Town Council Public Meeting.  It was hoped that the Chamber Meeting would develop certain matters raised at the Town Open Meeting.

The Chamber meeting concentrated on four key areas within the Town:

• The relocation of the Rye library to the old “Woolworths” site and the impact this would have on our High Street.
• The future of the old library site.
• The relocation of the FE Centre activities and the future of the old FE Centre.
• The future of the retail area within Rye, including discussion of the type of shops needed to ensure Rye is able to deliver the needs of its residents and visitors. This included a discussion of Sunday trading activity within Rye.

Members and non-members of the Chamber were invited, including residents of Rye to join the meeting to put their views.

Neil Cunliffe, Chairman was joined by Stephen Jempson of Jempsons / Budgens,  Keith Glazier of East Sussex County Council and Rye Partnership, David Russel of Rye Town Council and Rother District Council.

In addition, various members of Rye Town Council were at the meeting and took and posed questions.  Councillors included Sam Souster, Ian Potter, Paul Osborne, Lorna Hall and Mary Smith.

Some interesting points were raised at the meeting which will be put forward once they have been tabled at the next Chamber meeting on Wednesday 21 April 2010.

The role will involve organising the Rye Food Festival in October 2010, the Christmas Festival in December 2010 and the Scallop Festival in February 2011.

This is the first time that these events have not been not been run entirely by volunteers, and it is hoped that the events will continue to develop, and become stronger attractions for the town, with the introduction of a paid professional.

Roger Crouch will be at the Chamber AGM on Wednesday 16 June 2010.

I f you want to get involved with the festivals and help Roger, then email Chairman@ rye chamber.org.uk and your details will be passed on to Roger.