Easter in Rye unfolded with simple pleasures and shared smiles, as children and families gathered to celebrate the season together. There were many attractions to attend including the RNLI Duck Hunt at the lifeboat station, Rye Harbour.
Young explorers searched with bright-eyed determination and counted the cleverly hidden ducks around the village. Each discovery brought delight and the end prize was a sweet bag and the promise of naming a rabbit. Beneath the fun, a quieter purpose flowed: vital funds raised to support the RNLI’s unwavering mission to save lives at sea. They raised £400 and the shop took £180. This all helps with the training of our dedicated crew.
Josephine Jennings, RNLI fundraising lead at RNLI Rye Harbour, who masterminded this event for the second year in a row, sent this message to her fundraising team: “Wow! What a busy and frantic Duck Hunt we had. A huge thank you to everyone involved. Nick Deacon: you were an absolute odd-job superstar. Thank you Bob Jennings for all your support planning and running this day. Clair, Haiden’s mum, thank you for your bunny-hopping enthusiasm and for pretty much running the show. And of course, a big thank you to Haiden, one of the youngest fundraisers but who has been helping for years, for keeping all those treat bags coming.
“We raised an amazing £400 and most importantly entertained children and families along the way. Such a brilliant team effort, thank you. And thank you to Eileen who manned the shop.”
Easter Fayre at Tilling Green
Over at Tilling Green, the Easter Fayre blossomed into a warm and welcoming hub of activity. The clear, ringing voice of Town Crier Paul Goring’s cry marked the opening, followed by a heartfelt Easter greeting from Deputy Mayor Chris Hoggart.
Children gathered around craft tables, small hands busy with colour and creation, while tombolas spun their quiet magic nearby. There were puzzles to solve, stalls to browse, and friends came together and sampled the brilliant home-made fayre. The Guides added their own energy, sharing stories of adventure, friendship and discovery from the world of Brownies and Guides.
Congratulations to Dan and Donna Lake and the team of helpers who made this possible. Dan said, “We had a great time organising this event and want to thank all the volunteers who helped. Thank you to all those who came to support. Everyone had a brilliant day.”
Seven-year-old Darcy, who took part in both events, offered the simplest and perhaps most fitting verdict, a wholehearted thumbs up, capturing the spirit of a weekend where community, kindness and celebration came gently together.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .