St George’s Day in Rye was marked by grey rainy skies. However, this did not dampen the spirits of the many taking part in the civic parade and service in St Mary’s Church.
The parade began, as usual, at Adams. There was a good representation from former servicemen, RNLI, scouts and guides and Rye sea cadets. All gathered together before being called to order. Then the parade marched with the standards up East Street to the church via the Buttermarket. Here, the mayor and council members wait, greet the parade, and then follow after them in the church for the annual St George’s Day ceremony.
St George’s Day is one of these unique Rye events, which offers an opportunity for the young people in our community to wear their uniforms with pride, to take their pledges to their club seriously, and demonstrate to Rye how important their bond to their local group is in a very public, visible way. It is also an opportunity for our council to acknowledge them – for the council follow them to St Mary’s, rather than leading them.
In a full church, the Rev Paul White spoke of St George as well as the forthcoming coronation. I coordinated the renewal of promises by the scouts and guides and welcomed the attendance by Rye sea cadets. Scout leader William Perfitt took the opportunity to award a scarf, woggle and badges to a new member, Lilly May.
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber , Jackie Rees , Abigail Cooper-Hansen .