RNLI takes part in remembrance service
Kt Bruce
Remembrance Sunday is held in the United Kingdom as a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two world wars and later conflicts.
It is marked by ceremonies at local war memorials in most cities, towns and villages and
Rye’s service was attended by local dignitaries, ex-servicemen and women, Royal British Legion, Sea Cadet Corp, RNLI and other voluntary services and many more.
RNLI Rye Harbour was represented by Paul Bolton, lifeboat operations manager, Tim Dickinson, Stuart Clark, Lucy Green, Izzy Bolton, Iain Cebunka and families.
Lucy commented after the service, ”This is a very important day for me as I think it is so important that we do not forget what was done for future generations by these gallant and courageous men and women.”
Iden remembers
Yvonne Metcalf
Iden villagers came to the war memorial last Sunday to commemorate those who lost their lives during the two world wars.
The memorial, a grade 2 granite Celtic cross, had been beautifully decorated by Claire Carle and Nick Padgham who tend the site throughout the year.
Revd Stella Halmshaw conducted a short service and the last post was played by Claire Carle on her tenor saxophone. Nine names are listed on the memorial for the 1914-18 war, the youngest is just 17 and the oldest, Sapper George Almond, was 37.
Eight names are listed for the 1939-45 war, poignantly one of these names is a civilian, Margery Almond, who died aged 30 following a bombing raid on London in 1940. Margery was the daughter of George Almond and would have been just eight years old when he was killed in the first world war.
Next year is the centenary of the memorial being unveiled, and we look forward to another special commemoration.
Rye remembrance 2021
Colonel Anthony Kimber Rye RBL
Remembrance Sunday fell on November 14, and provided an opportunity for Rye to remember the service and sacrifice of all those from the armed services who defend our freedoms and protect our way of life.
With Covid-19 guidance forcing the annual service outside to the Rye town memorial this year, hundreds of people, including MP, Sally-Ann Hart, attended to lay wreaths and markers and reflect on the fallen of Rye.
The officiating chaplain was the Reverend Christopher Breeds.
The mayor, Councillor Rebekah Gilbert read from “Testament of Youth” by Vera Brittain.
The Rye Royal British Legion (RBL) president reminded that this year marked 100 years of the RBL; spoke of sacrifice and the significance of the red poppy before reading from John Macrae’s “In Flanders Fields”
It was pleasing to see so many at the memorial including numerous young people from youth organisations and Rye College.
Schools commemorate Remembrance Sunday
Amy Biddle
Rye College and Rye Primary School were proud to come together with the local community last Sunday morning in the beautiful sunshine at St Mary’s church to lay a wreath in remembrance for those who have given their lives in military service.
Mr. Dom Downes, head of Rye College, and Miss Kelly Martin, head of Rye Community Primary School, were accompanied by their head boy and head girl for the primary school, and by two members of the Rye College student leadership team.
Hospital centenary service of remembrance
Dennis Leeds George
I attended the centenary service of remembrance at Rye Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, November 11 and my uncle Harry Leeds-George, who was killed in the first world war, is one the names on the hospital memorial shown below.
Barry Nealon, the chairman of the hospital board welcomed us, and at 11am we had two minutes’ silence followed by the playing of the Last Post. Then there was the laying of the poppy wreath by Bill Coleman whose uncle’s name is also on the memorial.
There was a short service conducted by the Reverend Joy Davenport, with Jocelyn Rowe the organist accompanying our singing, with two hymns “O God our help in ages past” and “All people that on earth do dwell”, an address and prayers led by the Reverend Joy Davenport who ended the service with a blessing.
Being a life-member of the friends of the hospital, which is celebrating its centenary, over the years it has served our family well. When I was six years old I had my tonsils removed at the hospital and on two occasions when I suffered bad cuts I had them dealt with there. Two of my brothers have stayed in the hospital’s wards for a few weeks as patients and the family have over the years attended outpatient clinics at the Rye Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital as well.
Image Credits: John Minter , Kt Bruce , Yvonne Metcalf , Tony Ham , Seana Lanigan , Amy Biddle .