Rex Swain has died, he was known to thousands in Rye and beyond principally for his role as town crier, a post he held for nearly 20 years. He appeared in his 18th century uniform on countless civic occasions on the steps of the town hall and more widely at community events throughout the town. In the summer, there was barely a weekend when his services were not called upon multiple times. His stentorian voice rang out “Oyez, Oyez” accompanied by the ringing of the bell, to conclude always with “God save the Queen and the Ancient Town of Rye.”
Approaching retirement in 2018, he was given the honour of becoming an Honorary Freeman of Rye, and a commemorative plaque was installed in the little garden behind the Town Hall.
Rex Swain’s story of life in Rye was much more than this, as the interview for Rye News in 2016 by Stephen Ashley King makes clear.
Rex had arrived in Rye from Welham Green, Hertfordshire in 1950 aged 18. He was a keen cyclist in his younger days becoming captain of the Rye Aces Cycle Speedway Club with its race track on the Salts. He played darts for the county and at the Pipemakers Arms for many years. In his time he captained the Rye Bowls Club and won prizes in competition.
He shared a love of ballroom dancing with his wife Rita, whom he met at a dance in Playden village hall. Rita died in May 2020, some 65 years after they were married. They had family, two daughters Wendy and Julie, and a grand-daughter Carly, to whom we dedicate this tribute. Wendy has a personal scrapbook made by Rex, which may one day see the light of day in publication, showing a more complete picture than can be done here of this multi-talented man.
Paul Goring, appointed Rye Town Crier upon Rex Swain’s retirement writes: “Rex was a lovely guy and a magnificent Town Crier, and a member of the Loyal Company of Town Criers right until his death. His great sense of humour and his huge voice made him deservedly well loved in Rye. He was a great help and inspiration to me when I first started out as his Deputy. When I was first appointed, a Ryer said to me, “You’ve got big shoes to fill, following Rex!” – and this was very true! I – like the rest of Rye – will certainly miss him!”
The funeral will be on Wednesday March 9 at St Mary’s church.
Image Credits: Rye News library , Ray Prewer , Tony Ham .
So sorry to hear this news. Rita and Rex were friends of 60+ years standing and Rex who had worked with my husband for several years beforehand, acted as “Best Man” at our wedding. RIP Rex and Rita – I shall miss you.
My Aunty Rita and Uncle Rex were such a great inspiration to me both as a youngster, being born in Rye, but also in my teenage years .
I know only too well, that not only have Wendy and I lost such important members of our ex tended family, but Rye’s loss has been felt everywhere the sound of the church bells can be heard and beyond.
From New Zealand.
Lovely man – he was the town cryer at our wedding and was fabulous.
Apparently he is known in Peasmarsh as the lyricist of the local song:
“We all like the old cock inn, the old cock inn, the old cock inn
We all like the old cock inn, that’s why we goos up there!”
RIP Rex …
Sad loss. One of Rye’s own. Irreplaceable.