Rye Church stalwart dies

Mr Bateman, 69, was found dead at his Rye flat on Saturday. He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Geoffrey possessed an erudite knowledge and was for years a familiar figure sitting in his chair outside St Mary’s Church.

He kept detailed records of visitors to the church tower and which countries they came from.

Janet Waddams, from the church, said: “Geoffrey will be missed he was such a great character and so well known in Rye. He was part of this place.”

Jakki Mellor-Ellis said: “Rye will not be the same without Geoffrey, he was so well known.”