In the last week we have lost two much-loved local people who have made big contributions to Rye Arts Festival.

First, was the sad news that Martin Wimbush had passed. Martin, an actor of rare talent on stage and screen, has performed at the Festival many times over the years. We have been treated to his brilliant one-man show where he became the Duke of Wellington. He has done evenings of poetry and, in recent years, cabaret shows, where alongside musicians Martin held centre stage with his stories, jokes, anecdotes and bongo playing. A kind, warm and generous man, Martin will be sadly and hugely missed by his widow Marie and his family and friends and the Rye Arts Festival audience.

And this was followed by the further sad news that Dr Linda Harland had passed. A Member of Rye Arts Festival for many years, in recent times Linda was also a Trustee of the Rye Arts Festival.

A lover of literature and music, Linda was always keen to ensure that the Festival programme featured diversity,  and she acted as a critical friend to the organisers. With her husband Stuart she was a generous benefactor to the Festival sponsoring events each year. Our thoughts go out to Stuart and their family and friends at this devastating time.

Rye and Rye Arts Festival will be poorer for the passing of Martin and Linda.