What a wonderful weekend we have had. A huge well done to Cllr Sophie Judge for making it all happen. Her hard work and organisation truly paid off as so many residents and visitors came along to the numerous events on ‘Christmas in Rye’ day on Saturday, December 2. Although the weather was incredibly cold, it did not deter folk from getting involved, whether visiting the beautiful arts and crafts stalls in the morning at St Marys and the community centre, to or taking part in the Christmas pudding races in the high street later on.
It was great to see the eagerness on the faces of adults and children alike competing in their races outside The George. Following on from that we were drummed by the great Ryebellion Drummers down to the Strand where I and my colleagues had built an eco-recycled Christmas tree. Not so much ringing in Christmas, more rigging in dis-mast! Made of an old yacht mast, held firm by rigging, we have lit it to reflect the branches of a tree – it is quite convincing in the dark! It was switched on by young Maisie Beale.
Rebekah went off to ring the bells and I was able to take part in the parade up to the church, where a lovely service was organised by Sarah Broadbent of the Rye Chamber of Commerce. There was community and solo singing (from Rebecca Lodge Birkebaek and Anne Hojlund), plus local Sing it Out Choir. There were well chosen readings from EF Benson to Victoria Wood read by Venetia Sanders, Dena Smith-Ellis and Sarah Broadbent – and Rebekah read a poem entitled Peace by Maya Angelou. This was swiftly followed by an evening of even more music from the wonderful Martin Wimbush and Sally Bayly at the Rye Community Centre. Sadly, I couldn’t stay for all of it because there was a ship coming in to the harbour that night and duty called.
We attended the excellent concert in Rye from Martin Bruce with his Tongswood Choir on Sunday. With pieces ranging from Elizabethan times right up to a work by Martin, the choir sang evocatively with great musicianship, and the audience were entranced.
There is a lot to look forward to in the week ahead, such as supporting the Mayor of Lydd’s event on Friday evening, and the Lights of Love service at St Mary’s on Sunday at 3pm. On Monday, December 11 we have a big town council meeting, with an extensive agenda. I will of course report back on this next week.
Don’t forget, if you have little people, to come along to my family Christmas get together on Saturday, December 16 from 4pm – 5pm at in the Buttermarket, under the town hall, where we will be singing carols and serving drinks and mince pies (if Rebekah gets five minutes to make them!) There will be a small Christmas gift for under 10s, and we hope to see you all there.
Image Credits: Isabel Ryan , Kevin Beale , Oliver Lucas .
Well done Andi- you are so hard working and I think the tree is really creative and demonstrates Rye’s sustainability commitment
When the people of Rye come together to create an event it is always professional and memorable.
Congratulations and thanks go to everyone who helped make the day so special.
Yes well done to everyone who made it such a lovely weekend for Rye and great to see so many visitors too.