This week was rough. A week of alternating one over-the-counter painkiller with another and feeling no effect. At one point I resorted to a very stiff gin and tonic. Which actually helped. Being moderately immobile, I’ve been on Netflix a lot, watching old (well, a year or so old) episodes of TOWIE and laughing at Gemma Collins. If you’re not familiar with her, imagine a plus-size Banshee Barbie made to scream and cry in an Essex accent whenever it’s near a Ken Doll. I can’t get enough of her. Maybe her instant, raging tears give me assurance that my post-natal blubbing isn’t so ridiculous after all.
Here’s my pick of all that is being created and celebrated in Rye this week.
WHO’S HOT?
Jen Sinclair of bellabooandbeau.com
Did you notice my new logo? It was created by one-woman-creative-sweatshop/ event stylist/ graphic designer Jen Sinclair- or ‘Bellaboo and Beau’. Her wedding photo shoots with photographer Rebecca Douglas, clean design and love of neon and pastel means her website is eye candy! This week, Jen is doing Rye proud. She won Venue Stylist, London and the South East, in the 2015 Wedding Industry Awards. Also this month, in between raising the kids and a trip to Paris, Jen launched Bellaboo and Beau: The Blog, featuring weddings, lifestyle, design and “anything cool”. This month, there’s not much that’s cooler than singer Solange Knowles’s wedding photos, and Rye-based wedding stylist and collaborator Leanne B has got that covered. Nice work gals!
Feast of Delights, Sat & Sun Nov 29-30, 10am – 5pm, The School Creative Centre, New Road, Rye TN31 7LS
This local, pre-Christmas shopping event is sweeter than a candy cane and just as tasty. Food Hall treats, 20 gift stalls of locally made jewellery, beauty products and artworks and festive entertainment from Sam Williams and Kim Boeje. Plus free parking if you don’t fancy the five-minute walk from Rye High Street.
TO BUY
Coloured candles, The Shop Next Door, High Street, Rye
These little jewels are only £2 each and available in almost any colour you can think of. They are addictive. I always have a vase full of them on standby at home. Perfect for adding a pop of colour to your home at this exciting, but grey time of year. If you covet Bellaboo and Beau style, go for the neon ones.
TO BUY- FOR CHARITY
A ticket to The Oliver Curd Trust Christmas Party, on Fri Dec 12, 7.30pm at The George in Rye
£20 from Grammar School Records, High Street, Rye
Christmas is coming. As ever, we are all panicking about what to give as gifts. Why not treat someone to a party at The George and enjoy the double feel-good factor of giving to charity at the same time. The Oliver Curd Trust is a local charity, raising money for holidays for families with children suffering from cancer. I met the organiser, Danielle, who, over a glass of champagne of course, described the party as a good old-fashioned “buffet, drinks and dancing” event. Danielle has gathered a Santa’s sack full of raffle prizes to be won, including (my favourites) a luxury hamper of Prosecco and chocolate, dinner for two at The Union Steakhouse and a £50 Rye Retreat voucher.
As ever, if you know of anything that should be featured in my column, get in touch! There’s only so much time I can “social media” for items!