Every month Rye News features women celebrated in the HerStory of Rye project. Capturing the stories of women of all ages who work in and around Rye, the website is building up a huge archive of local lives. This month: Sally Bayly who opens her dream project at GROUNDED on June 7 in 7 Lion Street.
After leaving school Sally studied architecture, whilst at the same time developing a successful singing career. Singing became all-consuming for her, touring the world with her ‘partner in all things’, her late husband, musician, film composer and music teacher Michel Duvoisin.
“I loved being in a band, although there was a lot of pigeon-holing of women in the music business, especially in the early days. I always enjoyed the sense of camaraderie and tried to make the challenges work for me.”
She and Michel had two sons, who by necessity went everywhere with them “like circus kids”. Whilst recording their first album in the US, Sally took up yoga in the spare moments between recording, and when she and Michel moved to Rye in 2002 she began teaching. The led to an inclusive yoga community “Sally’s Yoga For All” – for men and women of all ages and abilities, including seniors.
Over the past few years, since the tragic and unexpected death of her husband, she has focused on how to bring together all of her life’s passions, talents and skills; and, most important of all, her deep appreciation for the special sense of community and support she has found here in Rye.
The result is a welcoming gathering place for well-being at 7 Lion Street called GROUNDED.
GROUNDED opens its doors to the public on Saturday June 7 – a warm and welcoming community cafe with board games, books, soup and sourdough, delicious cakes and excellent Rye Bay coffee!
Through to the back of this special place is a yoga space and a sunny courtyard garden for customers to relax in in the summer – and in the winter, an inside fireplace area with woodburner.
A blackboard in the front window lists the times of Sally’s yoga classes and other weekly or monthly events.
Do click on the link below to hear Sally talk about her life, her work and this exciting new venture for our community and visitors to enjoy!
Click here to hear the interview with Sally.
The HerStory Rye project, which has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is ongoing and the team very much welcome volunteers to undertake interviews. It is easy to record these oral histories on a mobile phone. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer
interviewer please contact Ali Casey at ali.casey63@gmail.com for further information.
Image Credits: Susan Benn , Sally Bayly .
Sally is a seriously lovely friend.
What an amazing and inspirational story Sally. I have just listened to the interview which was so beautifully done Susy, it was just like listening in on two friends having coffee together – so relaxing and if your yoga sessions make you feel a little like I am feeling now then I must try and come along Sally although I must warn you I am a complete beginner! ‘Grounded’ sounds such a lovely idea for you and the town, bringing people together in a relaxed way. I wish you every success with this new venture and chapter Sally.
Thank you so much Lisa .. Everyone has to beginner sometime! and everyone is welcome. Just ping me a WhatsApp and join a class. And the much-deserved coffee after is delicious!
.. also, I meant to say re the interview, it was totally spur of the moment – I had no idea what Susy was going to ask, so that’s maybe why it’s so relaxed!