Memories of a Rye expat

One of the most popular articles in Rye News over the years has been one by Vic Vicarey recounting his memories of bygone Rye. Every now and again someone finds Vic’s feature, which looks at some of the shops and shopkeepers he remembers, prompting more stories of Rye back in the day.

Another Vic – Vic Knights – saw it recently and got in touch from Honfleur in Northern France with memories of some of the people mentioned in the article and comments section – and with an appeal for memories of the Udimore Youth Club in our main photo. Can you help?

I used to live in Marley Road in Rye before we were all shipped out to Pett. I had “school” jobs in Horner’s, Gouldens’ book shop in the High Street, River’s mens outfitters in the High Street, Home and Colonial in the High Street, – the High Street seems to feature a lot.

So in no particular order …

Pat Horner. I used to be a paper boy for Flo and Alf Horner way back in ’65. I had the paper-round all through the old town. I can still recite most of the papers people had. So sorry to hear about John. I remember he had a Ford Consul but I can’t remember his girlfriend’s name. Richard had a job driving the East Kent buses, didn’t he?

Micheal Camier. I bought my first proper push-bike from Camier’s in Wish Ward – a red Dawes. Wasn’t the mechanic Geoff / Jeff Robus’ brother from Marley Road, who had an Itom 50? I remember Bert was very proud of his Vauxhall Cresta.

I bought mitts and a proper oilskin cycling cape from Gassons – that leather / skin smell in the shop.

Jenny Hadaways, I remember the name… didn’t you live halfway up Marley Road?

Someone has mentioned Jimmy Holland – we used to live next door when he was in Mason Road. I remember they had a poodle – Norman.

Does anyone remember when T&H contractors were installing the then “new” sewage system? They dug a big hole next to Foreman’s grain store in Ferry Road / Cyprus Place and found a Viking (?) longboat quite well preserved?

There was a baker opposite the Town Hall – Ye Olde something or other – made wonderful iced finger buns.

Hendersons the grocers, run by the Baxters, in Market Road opposite a little printers under Interflora and higher up than Odell’s cycle shop – which I think Humphrey Lestoq changed to an art shop / gallery.

It all comes back …

Before this gets too long – does anyone go to or remember Udimore Youth Club. I’ve just found a photo of nearly 30 of us, I think at the Mair’s farm. It’s probably taken in about ’67/’68. To mention just a few – Clive Wall, the Butchers sisters Eve and Linda, all the Wilsons, Rose Deadman and George Wibberley, Mary Wilson – the music shop – Dave Deadman, Peanuts ( Edward, can’t remember the surname ) Dave Bull, Dave Austin, Pascale Greenfield. I’m 8th from the left –  mop of hair, impossibly white teeth!

It’s funny how one thing leads to another. I’ve just turned up the Rye Grammar School year reports – which I was not clever enough to feature in – and also the Air Training Corps reports. It has more photos and this one with ME! So that’s front row, on the left as you look at it, hand on knee, next to Tucker Thompson – he with glasses and son of Flt Lieutenant Thompson, the officer on the left.  Again I think I can name nearly all.

Thanks so much to Vic Knights for all the stories and memories. Let us know what you remember too by commenting below or emailing info@ryenews.org.uk.

Image Credits: Vic Knights .