The traditional annual gathering of Rye Conservation Society took place in the Town Hall’s council chamber last Friday, writes Kenneth Bird, everything much as usual. Drinks on the left, buffet on the right, and a colourful if noisy melee in the centre. Total immersion was the only option and gladly taken, meeting old friends, catching up with news and gossip and some purposeful net-working. Amber Rudd MP was there and so was our Mayor, Bernadine Fiddimore, and Cllr Jimmy Carroll, vice-chairman of Rother District Council. A number of new members were welcomed, as were Mervyn Hayes and John Spencer representing respectively Northiam and Winchelsea conservation societies. Missing only were the mellifluous tones of Sir Donald Sinden, famous for his telling of jokes on these occasions. Chairman John Griffiths rose to the challenge, recounting no less than three that were not out of place in such convivial company, and the striking of the church clock came swiftly to end a very pleasant party.
photo and supplementary image on gallery by Mike Slavin