Local Rye charity ARRCC (Activities, Respite, Rehabilitation Care Centres, specialising in arts, health and well being) is holding another open garden at Little Orchard House, West Street (home of Andy and Niki Stuart, pillars of the Rye Arts Festival amongst many other activities) on Saturday June 10, from 2-5pm.
Besides being one of the most beautiful gardens in Rye, Little Orchard House also conceals the “Smuggler’s Watchtower”. You can imagine the opportunities for plunder as the landscape stretches before you: the Romney marshes to the east, the Brede valley to the west. The main routes out of Rye should have been visible from the top of the tower when it reputedly had a tunnel leading to the cellar next door, perfect for smugglers!
On offer in the garden will be music from local musician Kim Thompsett, who will be showcasing her own unique style of vocal and harp. There will be delicious homemade cakes, tea, Pimms, plants and a tombola. Entry is £3.
[Charles Harkness writes: As Niki is one of the Community Bus services regular drivers and the latest bus has been named in honour of the late John Izod, fundraiser extraordinaire, it seems right to feature a photo of John in this garden – watched closely in the background by myself (on right) and regular Rye News writer Seana Lanigan (left) in case of any accidents.
I once survived the garden – but it was a close-run thing – by unwittingly being served a full glass of undiluted Pimm’s.
The Stuart household is often full of passing musicians and singers – as well as their dogs – and preparing Pimm’s, a very English institution, had perhaps not been fully explained to a visitor from overseas.]
Photo: Rye News Library