Past Events

Talk 14 December 2024

The December talk was a little different, in that it was a compilation of three short talks. These were presented by members of the Rye Harbour History group and each illustrated talk reflected a different aspect of local history.

The topics were:

  1. The Coast Blockade at Rye Harbour – deterring smuggling in the 19th century through the writing of an officer – presented by Angie Perkins.
    • Smuggling was such a huge operation in the 18th and 19th centuries that the government felt they had go to enormous lengths to curb the ’ trade’ along a lengthy stretch of the south coast and between 1817 and 1831 a coastal blockade was put in place. This talk gave us a personal insight into this blockade through the writing of a Naval officer.
  2. Old Winchelsea, a town lost to the sea in 1287 – presented by David Dennis.
    • Old Winchelsea, a large, vibrant port and shipbuilding town had been built upon a spit of land in Rye Bay. Very vulnerable to severe weather, coastal erosion and the changing coastline the town was eventually lost to the sea during a severe storm in 1287. David looked at what is known about this town and helped to bring it to life for the audience.
  3. History in Photographs – The Mary Stanford Lifeboat disaster of 1928 – presented by Roy Brigden.
    • The Mary Stanford disaster was a tragic incident that never should have happened. All 17 lifeboat men lost their lives and this would have affected every household in the village of Rye Harbour. Putting out to sea in appalling weather to rescue a boat that was already safe by the time the lifeboat was launched, would seem unthinkable these days, however communications were very different in 1928. Through old Photographs Roy explained how the disaster unfolded and the aftermath. However, to this day no one knows what exactly happened to cause the death of all those on board.

All were very interesting, lavishly illustrated and providing an insight into a different era.

An excellent afternoon was had by all.

Talks

12 April – The Royal Military Canal and its…

Saturday 12th April 2025 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

An in-depth and interactive look at this important part of our local history and landscape presented by Michael Steed.

Michael read history and land economy at Cambridge and has developed an interest in the Royal Military Canal, its history and importance.

These talks are for members of The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve only. There is no charge, though donations are gratefully accepted. If you are not a member of The Friends but would like to attend, please JOIN US and let us know.

Limited places are available and booking for members of The Friends will open at 8.00am on 1st May.

Please note that dogs (except for guide dogs that have been pre-booked) are not allowed at talks.

Talks

08 February – The history of Rye Harbour Farm…

Saturday 8th February 2025 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

Frank Langrish, a well known local farmer, talks about the interaction between agriculture, landscapes and SSSI’s in the local area.

Frank Langrish, a well known local farmer renowned for sheep rearing, will take us through the history of Rye Harbour Farm, Caste farm and Pett Level, over the last 150 years .

He will talk about how the agriculture created the original landscapes and the method of farming created the SSSI’s.

These talks are for members of The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve only. There is no charge, though donations are gratefully accepted. If you are not a member of The Friends but would like to attend, please JOIN US and let us know.

Limited places are available and booking for members of The Friends will open at 8.00am on 1st January.

Please note that dogs (except for guide dogs that have been pre-booked) are not allowed at talks.