Rye and District Country Show on Saturday, August 16 was advertised as a great day out for all the family and indeed it was. From the minute you arrived there was something to entertain: a splendid horse show with many different rounds, classic cars which are the envy of many, a dog show with various classes, music at the main bandstand throughout the day, high quality craft stalls, tractors and farm machinery, children’s games – and food and drink to round it all off.
Although the weather was not sunny the crowds came in droves. The giant tortoises were a great hit and the crowds watched sheep shearing, threshing machines in action, birds of prey and spinning.
This is a very important event in the calendar of St Michael’s Hospice as typically it raises over £20,000 each year. This money helps provide the end of life care that the people of Hastings and Rother need.
The chief executive of the hospice Karen Clarke, said, “On behalf of St Michael’s Hospice, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to the Rye and District Country Show. It was another truly memorable and successful day. The smiles on people’s faces demonstrated just how much everyone enjoyed themselves: from classic cars, horse and dog shows, craft stalls and even giant tortoises – there really was something for everyone.
video: Martin and Kt Bruce: Showcasing Rye!
“It costs just over £9 million a year to run St Michael’s Hospice and with only 28% of our funding coming from the NHS, we are reliant on events such as these to ensure we can continue to provide expert palliative care and support to people across Hastings and Rother, every day. Each year we support nearly 1,600 people with a life-limiting illness, and their families. Our support extends to helping friends and family cope with their grief and approximately 500 people are supported by our bereavement service. All these services are provided without charge thanks to the generosity of our local community, through holding events, fundraising, sponsorships, leaving gifts in their wills, playing our lottery and visiting our hospice shops.
“The Rye and District Country Show simply could not happen without the tireless dedication of the committee which works hard, throughout the year, to ensure that this day is such a success. To Michael Boyd and the rest of the committee thank you – we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
I’d like to say a big thank you to the organisers of this event, they give up so much planning the day throughout the year to ensure it is a success and then on the day. And they raise large sums for the St Mary’s Hospice! Thank you too to all those who exhibit, take part, or simply walk around enjoying what is on offer.