Last Sunday 14 December a group gathered at noon in St Mary’s churchyard for the blessing and dedication of Rye and District Community Transport’s newest bus.
This was a truly joyous occasion – this bus is dedicated to Anne Phillips, who as the inscription says is “Steadfast in her support of our community” and to the memory of Madeleine Eve (Compassionate – Creative – Courageous), John Gurney (A much-loved driver of the 326 Rye Town bus) and Jo Kirkham. Jo gave loyal and faithful service to the town and people of Rye for over half a century.
Relatives and friends of the dedicatees joined with representatives of the donors to see Reverend Paul White bless and dedicate the bus. Paul included a wonderful reading which described chariots racing – not something we anticipate the Rye Community buses doing!
The inscriptions on the bus will be seen throughout the area as the Anne Phillips bus travels around taking children to and from school, people out to lunch, users of the 326 service (and possibly even to some of next year’s bonfires), and let people know something of the remarkable individuals we have in our community.
The fundraising built on Jane Conlin’s efforts in raising funds for the Harry Conlin bus 2, and as a community we are so fortunate to have those like Anne and Jane who see what is needed and ensure that it can happen. They also inspire others to contribute: many of our bus passengers and friends donated as well as local organisations including Rye & Winchelsea Rotary Club; Rye Bonfire Society; Senlac Rotary Club who gave proceeds from the wonderful Classic Car Show in June; The George for its First Tuesday (Lunch) Club; Volker Stevin, the engineers installing the eastern Rother flood protection scheme; and the Rye Fund.
Some groups organised specific fundraising for the new bus – Rye Players at the superb panto and patrons of Rye’s Queen’s Head Inn who raised funds on the Rye Bonfire night. We, at Rye Community Transport, are not just grateful for all the help but buoyed by the support.
We know how much the community values us: thank you!
Image Credits: Pat Hughes .