On Sunday 25 January, the Tuesday and Wednesday boules group celebrated a late Christmas lunch at the Queen’s Head in the Landgate. As many already know, Jonathan Breeds and his helper in the kitchen are brilliant chefs, creating wonderful food. The table in the back was ready for about 14 of us and looked lovely. Both groups stopped playing boules when the weather started to change and got too cold, so it was nice to all meet and catch up.
On offer was beef or pork Sunday lunch with all the trimmings and for the vegetarians there was the choice of nut roast, all of which was delicious. For pudding there were three choices: cheese cake, apple crumble and cheese, all rather yummy. The pub was short of staff but the young man who had stepped in, serving us, was excellent and charming.
After a few glasses of wine or beer the Tuesday group felt confident to challenge the Wednesday group for a return competition as the latter won the last. Of course it was agreed but the date is to be decided as everyone probably felt a bit of practice would be useful after the long pause. Both groups are closed for the moment but the boules pit on Strand Quay is for anyone who wants to put a group together. Just not Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
While talking about the Queen’s Head, it should be mentioned that Cal Roberts, a great musician and pub manager, has decided more needs to happen where the community can get involved. He has already organised several different music events on different nights but Saturday 31 January was something new to Rye, Five minutes of Fame. Anyone could stand in front of the audience and perform five minutes of their choice to sing, read a poem or tell a story. Andy Stuart, mayor for two years, showed some of his collection of plastic bags from the 70s and he has not stopped collecting yet. He showed just how different the advertising is on it and the changes made over the years.
Cal and compare Donald Wardroper announced they would do the funny balloon sketch, supposedly hiding naked bits. There was a worry that they would be naked but no. Roy Abel from the Highlands but now in Rye (the church warden of St Mary’s) followed and told about the time he had quite a few bulls but one favourite which he took to his first auction. Everybody wanted the beauty but no-one bid enough which pleased Roy no end. He was funnier than it sounds here.
Next was a play in a court where one woman accused another. Jonathan, all dressed up, defended and eventually all in the pub were asked what they thought, guilty or not. It was a big crowd that night. No doubt it went on for some time in the evening.
For more information or booking, phone 01797 226929 or go to their website here.
Image Credits: Brian Simpson , Heidi Foster .
Bag Dad – the OAP with carrier baggage – is available to show and tell his collection – largely coming from just 1976 to 1978 and the small city of Salisbury – which reveals design and advertising trends, plus economic and social history through the medium of the disposable carrier bag. Five minutes might not be long enough, given the 2- minute long encore the Queens Head crowd demanded!