As a volunteer the “Tales of Old” festival organisers on Saturday, December 10, booked me from 9:45am to noon and I duly turned up at the carousel (below left) in the car park behind the Cinque Ports Arms hoping to make myself useful – and the mechanics responsible for the safety of the public were doing the last tests.
Eventually I was told that only professionals could deal with the public and take the money as it was not safe enough for a novice to be on the carousel while it is moving.
This gave me a chance to wander round Rye and see what else was going on. Cinque Ports Street was not very busy but the new sandwich bar, A Slice of Rye (above right), had arranged a table outside their shop. I watched as a mother and daughter decorated a gingerbread biscuit with sweets which were provided.
The owner explained that they wanted to open in the Spring but because of protracted negotiations it did not happen until October and they missed the tourist trade. However, it may have been a good thing as the locals and businesses have adopted the shop which means that they have been quite busy since opening.
Walking up Conduit Street, I reached the High Street which, at the corner of Adams shop, was rather quiet then – but further along I heard the lovely voices of the Churches Together choir (above, left). Making my way back to Cinque Ports Street I came across the only dressed up people I had seen so far, brilliant, Noel and Kathy Varley (above, right).
Strand Quay area, where usually the Wednesday market takes place, was buzzing with adults and children, especially round the reindeer. There was another interesting stall where Mike Pepler and his friend Nicola Hill were displaying handmade items out of wood (below) from their forestry, very original. www.gristwoodrye.co.uk
I didn’t have time to go to the main stage behind the Cinque Ports Arms where the dance school was entertaining family and friends near the carousel, as I was performing with the Rye Ukulele Experiment at the Buttermarket under the Town Hall.
The “Wall of Sound” choir were just finishing their beautiful harmonies when we arrived. The feedback from the public and friends was very positive after our gig which was nice and I was able to fit in a glass of mulled wine and mince pie before attending the carol service at St Mary’s Church.
By 6pm it was standing room only in the church, and deservedly so. It was wonderful for all to sing together as well as listening to solo singers such as YT93 Performing Arts Academy choir, Christine Descher and guitarist Sam Calver (right). Wall of Sound sang the beautiful piece Benedictus from the Mass An Armed Man.
Behind the church the Ypres Pub near the Gun garden had blues music from The Carry On Boys and, for a finish, some of us enjoyed the jazz band at the Queen’s Head, Bobby Fuego’s fat Fingers of Funk. I found myself sitting next to a German couple (I am from Germany, myself) who said they absolutely love coming to England, especially Rye and have visited for more than 10 years.
Photos: Heidi Foster
What a great event this was – just like the old times when Rye used to regularly hold community events like Pancake Races and three-legged pub races in aid of charity!!
Rye was really alive last Saturday and people were obviously enjoying themselves.
Well done to everyone involved in the organisation + the volunteers who worked well to make sure everything happened at the right time.
Looking forward to next year!!!