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