The Rye Ukulele Experiment’s performance last Saturday July 13 in the beautiful garden of 11 High Street in aid of Rye Bonfire Society was well received, and there were the usual stalls (plants, coffee/tea/cakes and Pimms) which kept visitors amused and spending money. The audience seemed to enjoy our playing, joining in when we sang the pop song “YMCA”, and it was fun seeing everyone doing the movements to it.
In the afternoon there was the Rye Country Show in its new home at Icklesham, with 22 classes in the three ring horse show, 21 classes in the two ring dog show, and around 160 vehicles in the classic car show from Alfa Romeos to a Wolseley. Displays included gun dogs and the East Sussex Romney Marsh foxhounds as well as heavy horses and ferret and terrier racing.
It was very well organised with plenty of parking, stalls, food options and two great bands, Jiggery Pokery and The Kytes, to give it an upbeat atmosphere.
I was too late for the dog show but saw three lovely little girls on donkeys, each (girls and donkeys) dressed up as a theme. I was glad to see that each girl got a prize as they all made a great effort with help of a parent.
In another arena was a horse jumping competition, the horses were beautifully groomed.
To top off the afternoon, several classic cars made their rounds in a different ring. Brilliant, but don’t ask me the make of the cars. I am sure someone out there, should they read this, will know better than me.
I spoke to stall holders and visitors who all said it was a lovely and successful day. I hope it raised a substantial amount of money for St Michael’s Hospice.
Photos: Heidi Foster