Rye’s ostriches deserve acclaim

WITH the imminent advent of the Easter holidays, I feel that it is my duty to record a most illuminating experience during a recent visit to Rye for Scallop Week 2012.

It was my very good fortune to visit Willow Farm, a fair-sized acreage situated at the confluence of the rivers Rother and Brede, next door to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (Rye Congregation) and in close juxtaposition to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

The proprietor, Mr Peter Elwell, a professional man with over 30 years experience working in Africa, on behalf of the World Bank, was kind enough to give me a tour of his splendid facilities for the farming of ostrich and rhea.

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Mr Elwell takes evident pride and most scrupulous care in the raising of these remarkable creatures and the town of Rye must surely take credit for its support of such an innovative, local enterprise.

I look forward to the day when the ‘Rye Ostrich’ may be able enjoy the same level of popular acclaim as the ‘Rye Scallop’.

D Smith

Croxted Road, London

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