“I still hope we can put up the Christmas lights in Rye this year,” says Fran Huxley. “They look so magical and our town without them is too horrible to think about.”
The Simply Rye shop owner has been leading attempts to find a solution after plans to put up the lights fell through. “Everyone is pulling out all the stops,” she says. “Not just for this year but also for future years. Local residents are coming forward, along with Rye’s businesses, and putting their hands in their pockets and volunteering to help. Everyone cares so much about it.”
Working with Michael Jones from Merchant & Mills, Fran is part of a working group trying to make the lights happen. The group also includes Rye mayor Andy Stuart and Rye Town Council. Rye Chamber of Commerce has also been involved in the latest discussions.
Last minute meetings and site visits have been taking place this week. A major hurdle that still needs overcoming is the ability to install the lights safely as the LED string lights need more than sixty power sockets on the High Street alone.
The lights are on the agenda for Monday’s meeting of Rye Town Council on October 27 at 6.30pm. The meeting notes say the item will be deferred if the working group “is not yet in a position to form a view on the best course of action.”
Fran Huxley says the town needs the lights up not just because they add a bit of sparkle to the town at Christmas. “There’s a big danger if people come to Rye and it looks really gloomy they just won’t come back. They’ll choose somewhere like Tenterden instead.”
“This is about our community. People keep telling me they’re here to help,” she says. “We will keep doing all we can this week to try and make it happen.”
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
Where there is a will there’s a way ..
So the saying goes.
Where there is a Fran , Michael and Andy there will be a way …
(And the electrician.) to make it happen ..To make Rye look special for this time of year …
Is there a fund ? If all resident paid a pound …..
I’d been more than happy to contribute as a Rye resident.
I would gladly pay a pound on one condition that all the local businesses that will gain from the event would also contribute to the fund.
The High Street and Town heaving with people this weekend and some shops must be doing ok , I hope that these visitors are not too disconsolate if the high street and Town look forsaken at Christmas and New Year.
Are there public donation boxes available for the visiting shoppers to use?
For anyone who wants to contribute how about a donation box at the town hall?