Rye Town Councillors are to get new robes following a decision at the town hall on Monday 8 June. The new gowns will cost between £7000 and £8000 which will be covered using unused mayoral expenses and a generous donation from former Mayor and Mayoress Andy and Niki Stuart.
The robes have been a long-running controversy, with the current ones described as shabby, threadbare and beyond repair. Councillors unanimously approved the decision to order 14 new gowns.
“Members of the public comment on the state of them,” said clerk Amy Head. “I know it’s a contentious issue but the new ones will make us look so much better.”
“The state of the robes is going to keep coming back again and again,” said Councillor Stuart. “These new ones will last a very long time and there’s no cost to the town.”
He noted how Rye will hold the speakership of the Cinque Ports Confederation in 2027, the first time in 14 years. “It will be a great opportunity to showcase Rye internationally. We can make it a great day if we plan it properly.”
Councillors thanked Andy and Niki for their donation. “The best possible outcome,” said Councillor Creaser. “A terrific offer,” said Councillor Hughes. “A really generous offer,” said Mayor Chris Hoggart, leading applause for the former mayor and mayoress.
Whilst the gowns will be replaced, concerns were also expressed about the state of the councillor’s official hats and the need to ensure the new robes were kept properly to avoid fading.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Stuart explained why he and Niki had made the donation. “We were left some money by my 99-year-old aunt Frances, who died last year. Everyone knew her as Kewpie and whilst she lived in Suffolk she loved coming to Rye for the Arts Festival. She very much enjoyed Rye’s quaint charms and strange ceremonies!”
Image Credits: James Stewart .
I hope the food bank gets a equally generous donation.
Thanks Andy and Nicky and RTC.
The old ones were tatty and faded and disrespected the councillors wearing them.
Be nice if it could stretch to a new outfit for the Town Cryer – I think the current costume could do with a bit of bling – maybe the Royal Opera or ENO have something they may sell that would suit? I can just see him dressed as a character from a traditional production of the Marriage of Figaro (oh a Georgian wig would be great as well). Seriously Paul does such a great job for the town – how about some of Rye’s wealthy putting a bit o’ money in the pot to upgrade him …
Phil – Look at Paul leading the bikers in this week’s news in brief – he’s just had shiny new kit
Ah yes I see now – fab waistcoat – looks grand …
Paul has a brand new outfit!
Phil, thank you for those wonderful comments! Luckily the Town Council has just provided me with a splendid new outfit, locally made, earlier this year, with lots of bling (sadly no Georgian wig, though!)
I believe it was funded from the income from ticket sales for my Ghost Walks, which were set aside for the purpose.
Andy & Niki’s very generous donation to fund new councillors’ robes was much needed – the current robes are over a century old, and look it!
That’s brilliant Paul – sorry haven’t spotted ye in your new finery …
That’s understandable – most photos out there still show my old, faded, kit!
The new Regalia is much more historically correct for the period (1740’s, to match the age of the Town Hall) and I’m incredibly proud of it! It was made by a local lady (who I won’t name unless she gives me permission to) who designs & makes period costumes for West End shows.
Rye last held the Speakership of the Cinque Ports Confederation in 2020 / 21 when Rebekah Gilbert was mayor, not some 13 years ago as Cllr Stuart asserts.
The handover to New Romney in 2021 was covered by this website: https://www.ryenews.org.uk/news/speakership-passed-on
Yes but Rebekah never got to carry out the role due to Covid restrictions
Actually I said it will be the first time in 14 years that we have hosted the Speakers Day (since there wasn’t one in 2020). incidentally, Councillor Mike Boyd was also Speaker for some months in 2020 ahead of Councillor Gilbert.