Station gardenin memory ofPugwash artist

John, who lived at Gun Garden, was a popular figure in Rye, often donating his work to raise money for charity and good causes.

The John Ryan Garden will be officially opened by Priscilla Ryan, wife of the late John Ryan and Isabel their daughter, along with the Mayor Bernardine Fiddimore, on Friday April 24 at 12.15pm.

The small garden area was given over to the Sussex Community Rail Partnership to see if anything could be done which would involve the local community.

Kevin Barry, the local Community Rail Development Officer for the Marshlink Line, who is based at Rye Station said: “I contacted our Station Partners, Rye Studio, The Creative School and Friary Gardeners to see what could be done.

“But before we could do anything we needed to clear the overgrown site. Network Rail visited Rye In November last year and brought 24 volunteers to do the job.

“Friary Gardeners then did the plants/trees and shrubs, the Rye Studio and Creative School now have a small performance area, but we all felt it was a good opportunity to dedicate the garden to someone who was admired and well know in Rye.

A plaque on the bench will be unveiled so visitors and residents of Rye can sit and reflect on how Captain Pugwash and his crew walked the streets of Rye.

“Those who remember the television series or read his books will be pleased to know that it is planned to have a Captain Pugwash exhibition at the station so we can admire his works. Many visitors will travel to Rye to see this and bring their children to show what mum and dad used to read or watch.”