You could hear the sigh of relief as businesses opened their doors on Monday 12 April, that day had finally arrived, and they included the Hub on Rye Hill which reopened for external catering on the patio area which has its own gated access.
But, apart from the toilets which will remain open, the main Hub building will remain closed to customers, at least for the time being. Also on offer will be a takeaway service from the Hub’s main entrance, and further details will be available on their website
From 17 May the Hub will be opening for the normal internal café service in line with the Government’s restrictions and guidelines (the Rule of Six or two households per table, social distancing, wearing of masks, etc) and in discussion with a range of local community organisations regarding potential use of the Hub when it does re-open, the focus will be on providing community services and promoting wellbeing.
The three core users of The Hub are Rye and District Day Centre (RDDC), Sara Lee Trust and St Michael’s Hospice, all planning to start providing limited services – St Michael’s Hospice and Sara Lee Trust in the latter half of April and RDDC probably not until the beginning of July.
Programme of events planned
The Hub and Memorial Hospital are planning a programme of events to take place after they have fully re-opened which will include a Boot Fair at Jempsons in Peasmarsh on the late May Bank Holiday, a late Spring Fashion Show in early June, tea parties in late September, and an event in November to formally celebrate the centenary of Rye Hospital. There will also be other events which will include bingo, bridge, quizzes and a Halloween evening and more details will be published in due course.
A new Café Chef/ Supervisor, Paul Lawrence-Bark has been appointed and was welcomed ‘on board’ on 6 April. Paul is an experienced Chef and will be developing fresh ideas for the Hub’s café. Thanks are due to East Sussex Healthcare Trust (especially the Rye Hospital Chef, Clare Gladwish) for providing catering support for the Hub during August to Christmas last year
The management and staff very much look forward to welcoming back all their loyal customers – “It’s been a long wait for all of us, so why not take time to pop in and say hello, and you will be assured of a warm welcome.”
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
We went up on Monday and had a splendid lunch….. beautifully and served, very reasonable, and the pleasant sheltered area made it the warmest place we have eaten yet, during these chilly spring days of outside dining. They deserve lots of support!