Jackie Bourn won the hearts of the people of Rye throughout her life and especially as the owner of the lovely shop Forget Me Not. She was talented, caring, kind, generous and creative. She had a wicked sense of humour and lit up a room when she entered. She was much loved and her kindness and thoughtfulness touched many people. Sadly when she died she left a huge hole in many lives. Her shop, Forget Me Not, carried on trading but Ellie, her daughter, felt that the time had come for closure and it ceased trading on June 30 2025.
Ellie shared her thoughts about her mother: “Mum was born and raised in Bexleyheath, moving to Rye when she was only nineteen. She began work by running the Bedford Arms, moving then onto Camber Golf Clubhouse, followed by the bakers, Williams Florist, M&S, Concepts of Rye and finally buying Forget Me Not in November 2016. It had been a goal of hers to own and run her own gift shop and she flourished.
“She definitely had artistic flare – which she used as a window-dresser for M&S. People always commented on how lovely the windows were, especially the Remembrance poppy window.
“Mum picked what stock we sold – with a little help from me and her friend Joss who would accompany her to trade shows. She worked hard to source products from England and support small independent business like ourselves. Hilary was an employee when mum took over the shop, and we couldn’t have done it without her; she was so supportive and the best saleswoman you would ever find.
“Mum worked hard to have her own business, always putting in extra time and effort even on her ‘days off’. She was confident with her work and took pride in it. I like to think I’ve followed in her footsteps. I have taken a different path entirely but with the same ethics and values. Her influence carries on and I feel her guiding me on the right road.
“Closing the shop down was my way of laying it to rest with her. Even though the shop isn’t there anymore, I hope people will remember it the way mum had it, and all the love she put into it.
“A special thank you to my family for supporting me and helping with the closure – Joe, Gary, Emma, Sarah and Colin.”
Jackie will not be forgotten and her legacy will continue to flourish in her family and friends.
Image Credits: Ellie Bourn .
I’m a French visitor and every time I went to Rye I took great pleasure in visiting this lovely shop full of mostly British made items. Besides the owner was chatty and gave good advice. So sorry to hear about her passing.
For years, Forget Me Not was a mandatory stop on our semi annual holidays in Rye. It was a place to go for those beautiful and unusual gifts and over time became a welcoming place to go as friendships were made and developed. So sorry to hear about Jackie’s passing and our thoughts go out to Ellie.