Former Rye mayor set for highest council award

Frank Palmer was elected to Rye Town Council from 1983 to 2011, with two stints as mayor in 1988 and 1989.

Current councillor John Breeds nominated him for the prestigious Honorary Freeman of the Town award – the highest distinction the council has the power to bestow.

In his nomination to the council members, Cllr Breeds said: “He has dedicated so much of his time here to the promotion and welfare of our town and I wish to recommend that he be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of Rye.”

The historian’s second time as mayor was during the 700th anniversary of Rye’s mayoralty and he headed a number of special events to mark the occasion.

Mr Palmer was also a ‘highly competent’ chairman of the town council’s planning committee for many years, according to Cllr Breeds.

He was chairman of many other organisations including the Cinque Ports Mayors’ Association, Rye Museum, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye Sea Cadets, the RNLI, Rother Association of Local Councils, Rye Sports Hall, Rye Partnership, Rye Conservation Society and Rye Pre-School Playgroup.

Town clerk Richard Farhall has suggested accepting Cllr Breeds’ recommendation and admitting Mr Palmer as an honorary freeman.

The final decision will be made at the council meeting at the town hall at 6.30pm on Monday (February 1).

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