Secret agent James Bond made his first appearance in Rye in Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger published in 1959. Coming slowly from Ferryfield (Lydd), Bond makes his way to a pub he knows. It is not recorded which of the fine hostelries he visits, but it could have been the Queens Head.
Last Friday, October 2, the Queens Head hosted an evening of Bond, presented by the Rye Bay Crew. Councillors and singers Rebekah Gilbert, Andi Rivett and Jonathan Breeds and their excellent keyboard accompanist Helen Ridout treated the audience to readings from the books, some songs to get into the mood as well as classic James Bond theme tunes.
The multi-talented Crew also prepared the mimosa cocktails, served the three course dinner and Jonathan even cooked the stroganoff!
The performances were excellent, but perhaps the highlight was when Shirley Bassey made a guest appearance and closed the show, to cries of “more, more” from the over-excited audience. This coincided with a short period of absence by Jonathan. Shirley was in great voice but looked rather younger and stubblier than she has recently. Legs still looked great though.
The Rye Bay Crew’s next outing will be on October 30, also at the Queens Head. This is part of Wild Boar Week and the team are busy learning songs about hunting, highwaymen, gypsies and rovers. Catch them there from 8:30pm.
Photos: Seana Lanigan