What a fun 75th birthday party

Sunday afternoon, May 18, was an extraordinary and fun event for Graham Ellis’s birthday. More than forty people were invited and given tasks like setting up the room, bringing food and drinks and make the community centre look festive and were sworn to secrecy so it would be a surprise when Graham walked through the door.

Against all odds, everyone managed to to do as told and Graham could not believe it as we all lifted our glasses and wished him happy birthday. Though there were many people who helped in making this an event to remember it was really Dena Smith Ellis (Graham’s wife) and friend Sally Bayly, (who also sang with one of the bands), who should get the major credit. Just to flag up Sally’s new venture, ‘GROUNDED’, Lion Street, a space for the Rye community and visitors. It will be fully open for coffee, yoga and meetings from June 7.

Here it is important to mention what made the tables look so beautiful apart from little lights. It was the flower arrangements, origami flowers, exquisite, designed and made by Emma Rush who owns the shop 12 Cinque Ports Street.

Dena gave a snapshot of her husband’s life before and when she met him. He was born in 1950 in Croydon, already doing things as he saw fit when young, growing up with big ideas. After several A levels, a business study, spending time in a Kibbutz, 1974 at university, he decided to travel. It took Graham to Wyoming, Arizona, Panama, St Lucia, Vancouver, Nicaragua, finally settling in Hawaii. He spent some time embedded in the island as he loved its atmosphere and environment. He was able to develop his interests. He worked at community engagement, teaching sustainability, studied juggling after which he created the ‘Hiccup Children’s Circus’.

In the meantime a very important connection was made: he met Dena (an American living there) who eventually became his wife. But initially some difficulties arose as both had children of different ages, boys and girls, and it can’t have been easy all round when the families merged. But they made it work. Another change would soon test all of them again. Graham was told to leave Hawaii, returning to England with most of the family. We in Rye have been the beneficiaries of his forced exit as they settled here. It did not take long for both to enter the spirit of the community.

Graham quickly became involved in Rye Community Garden creating sustainable compost for the vegetables, flowers and trees. He set up talks about sustainable living and his own company helping the community set up good compost. Dena, who is a community co-ordinator, holistic life guide, health counsellor and coach became quickly part of the Rye fabric, making friends easily including Sally who has just started her own new venture, Grounded in Lion Street, a community cafe for everyone, and offering yoga and meetings. Sunday is games afternoon. She is having her official opening on June 6 at 5:30pm

All round it was a very successful party and Graham was overwhelmed by Dena’s loving thoughts by organising such a big surprise. Once he had acclimatised, the fun began with music from the Rockitmen which got people on the floor. There was laughter, eating, drinking, socialising and juggling. His words said it all: “My amazing wife.”

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Image Credits: Heidi Foster , Dena Smith Ellis .