Remembering Anne Wood

The life of Anne Wood, who died in April at the age of 88, was celebrated at a memorial service on 12 June at St Mary’s Rye. Here was a woman whose kindness, energy and dedication left a lasting mark on Rye and the surrounding area.

The church was packed and one could almost sense Anne’s presence. She would have said that she did not want any fuss but secretly she would have been smiling to see her family surrounded by her friends who all cared so much and held special memories.

Centre stage was an amazing photo of Anne taken by Susan Benn and bedecked with a floral tribute echoing the beautiful flower arrangements crafted by Annie Baker. Anne would have loved Rebekah Gilbert’s rendition of Puccini’s O mio babbino caro and she would have clapped along and probably joined in with the Rye Harbour Herrings who ended the service with two shanties, the one reflective and the other rousing.

Three beautifully read passages from Isabel Ryan, Anne’s brother John Underwood and her granddaughter Anna Ghadia, added to the lovely service. So too did the muffled bells of St Mary’s rung by Rye’s bell ringers which rang out as people arrived. Geoff Harris was the organist and accompanied Rebekah when she sang.

The service was led by Reverend Graham Atfield, Chaplain to the Conquest Hospital. He was asked by the family to read their tribute to Anne, of which this is a part.

Anne was born in Bromley in 1937, and her early years were shaped by the upheaval of the Second World War. Despite a childhood marked by wartime separation and evacuation, she grew into a warm, resilient and caring woman who devoted much of her life to helping others.

She married architect Ralph Wood in 1958 and the couple moved to Rye in 1964, where they raised their three children, Sarah, Jo and Matthew. The family later settled in Icklesham in a distinctive house designed by Ralph, which became a welcoming home for friends, family and visitors.

Throughout her life Anne embraced voluntary work and community service. She was deeply involved with the NSPCC, later managed the Sue Ryder charity shop in Rye, and supported countless local organisations including Rye Arts Festival, Rye Castle Museum, Rye Conservation Society, Rye Country Market and Lamb House. She also served as churchwarden for 13 years, including at Rye and Rye Harbour, and remained devoted to the Anglican Church throughout her life.

Known for her enthusiasm and generosity, Anne delighted in welcoming newcomers to Rye, introducing people to one another and ensuring they felt part of the community. Her handbag was famously filled with leaflets, newsletters and information about local events, reflecting her passion for connecting people.

Anne loved travel, theatre, music, books and architecture. She enjoyed holidays across the world especially visits to Norway, to explore her Norwegian heritage, Australia and the United States, while family celebrations and time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her particular joy.

Her many contributions were recognised with an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and, most notably, when she was made an Honorary Freeman of Rye in 2019, an honour she treasured deeply.

Anne will be remembered as a woman of boundless energy, fierce independence, unwavering loyalty and remarkable kindness. Above all, her family recalled that, despite her many interests and commitments, her children remained the centre of her world.

After the service there was a delightful tea laid on by Hayden’s events team. It gave people time to stop and catch up with close friends and share stories of their encounters with Anne.

It was a fitting tribute to someone who dedicated her life to others.

If you wish to give money to the NSPCC in memory of Anne, click this link https://aagotwood.muchloved.com/

Image Credits: Kt bruce .