As the Rye Heritage Centre (RHC) doesn’t open on Mondays, it seemed an ideal time to interview the manager, Simon Parsons, to see how things were shaping up following the official opening on July 19 this year. However, as I was passing I dropped in unannounced last Sunday morning to have a ‘nose’.
Despite the overcast weather it didn’t deter the ‘walk-ins’ from coming by to explore, face masks are still required and for those who forget them, there is a supply on hand. There is still confusion, many visitors still thinking the tourist information centre is based at the heritage centre, but it moved some time ago to the town hall, now named the Rye Information Point. As many people also come in asking where the public toilets are, which are directly opposite with ladies, gents and disabled facilities.
For those coming in to see the Rye Town Model sound and light show, they won’t be disappointed, it’s still there and just as it was before lockdown, although some running electrical repairs are now needed and I suspect an ongoing requirement.
Given that some of the original equipment is possibly past its best and funds permitting, it will be upgraded or replaced when possible.
Simon had been brushing up on his command of the Ukrainian language in readiness for his large group (30 people) Ukrainian booking, expected imminently. They all arrived as planned, headed into the model room, really enjoyed seeing the model and the sound and light show then left the building content, having found the whole experience very interesting.
As I spoke to the two very friendly volunteers, Viv and Trevor, I could hear children’s shrieks of laughter as they played on the old penny arcade machines in a new display area, built and hand painted with a superb mural of an old Victorian pier by professional and multi talented muralist, Richard Langley. Richard was commissioned to paint the mural and all costs involved were donated by a very generous and local Rye resident. Brewers paints kindly donated paints and varnishes and Parkers Building Supplies also made a donation.
My meeting with Simon was very positive and it is a great relief to all concerned that the RHC is now open once more, thanks to the ongoing support of Rye Town Council and funding from the National Lottery board and others.
Phase two will involve upgrading of the model, digital displays are also planned as well as a timeline display which tracks the fascinating history of Rye through the centuries. Redeveloping the first floor suite of rooms is also planned which will include further interactive displays, keeping up with modern techniques and audience expectations.
Now that the volunteers are in place, visitor numbers are increasing on a daily basis and more volunteers are always welcome, donations too. The decision to move some of the penny arcade machines downstairs to a new dedicated display area has proved very popular, group bookings from schools for next year are beginning to materialise as well.
There is still lots to be done, the website is being rebuilt and new marketing initiatives are in the pipeline, but it all takes time, money and volunteers. It will be interesting to see how the heritage centre develops and as long as footfall continues and increases, the Rye Town model and light show will remain one of Rye’s top tourist attractions.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .