On Wednesday, October 12 Round Rye Bay Singers entertained the members of the Rye and District Day Centre at the Hub on Rye Hill by singing shanties.
I chatted to Dave Pellen afterwards and learned a bit about the group.
When did the luncheon group first start?
I think Rye & District Day Centre started in the Methodist Church in Rye in 1983. I took over running the day centre nine years ago this May.
What gives you the most joy in running this club?
I think the most joy comes from seeing the members enjoying themselves and socialising with others. They get a lot out of being together with old friends and making new ones.
Where do the members come from?
They come from Rye, Icklesham, Peasmarsh, Camber and Iden. We are supported by Rye & District Community Transport for some of the picking-up and collection to and from the hub. Some members make their own way. It is a team effort.
What do the people who come think about these sessions?
The members really appreciate social contact with other members and friends they have known for years but who may live in different areas around Rye. They really appreciate the lunch, bingo, quizzes, raffles and of course being entertained by groups such as Martin’s shanty group.
It was lovely to see them all joining in with the choruses and one gentleman came up to Martin at the end of the singing with tears in his eyes saying: “I really enjoyed that: it reminded me of my daughter singing shanties in Northumberland.”
Round Rye Bay Singers are based in the harbour and rehearse fortnightly under the enthusiastic direction of Martin Bruce, who makes performing editions of the songs and encourages good singing and breathing techniques. A speciality of the group is local and Sussex versions of shanties. Each performance aims to raise money for charity and this one was no exception, the diners generously giving £50 for the town’s food bank.
The group operates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm. A two-course lunch is offered for £8 and for an additional £3 return journey transport can be arranged. If you are interested in knowing more or coming along contact Dave on dave.pellen@bytinternet.com or 07484 715322. Booking in advance is essential.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .