Lottery funding rescue

Just as the Rye Heritage Centre was about to re-open following its acquisition from the Town Council by the then newly formed charity, the Covid pandemic struck. All bets were off, all visiting parties and group bookings were cancelled and, with them, any prospect of income for the foreseeable future.

Many thousands of pounds of income were wiped out virtually overnight and, like many other businesses in a similar position, the bills kept coming, and utilities and essential services had to be maintained somehow. The pressure was on and, with no positive end in sight, something had to give.

Rescuing the Rye town model with its sound and light show and the penny arcade from an uncertain future was a popular decision, particularly with many locals who shared so many fond memories of days out as children or as mums and dads taking their families to experience some real local history.

The town model in particular has been enjoyed by generations, its one of the largest bespoke models of it’s kind and the detail is superb but, without visitors paying to come and see it, the income stream stopped in its tracks.

Thankfully, due to the determination and sheer hard work by the board of trustees, in particular Anthony Kimber, and steered by Chair Simon Parsons, grant funding was applied for and was secured, thanks to the support and generosity from Heritage Lottery funding. This enabled bills to be paid and investment to be made to replace outdated technology and essential equipment, salaries paid and, most importantly, the Heritage Centre needed to be made ‘Covid’ safe as soon as possible.

A thorough clean took place, followed by redecoration and the removal of rubbish and unwanted furniture and equipment. A one way system was installed to ensure social distancing was possible and customers and staff were safe. Automatic hand sanitiser stations were set up, floor markings installed and the seating capacity in the main auditorium reduced to a maximum of 18.

Anything with the ability to be touched or handled was removed, stock put away, the ventilation system checked and tested, security cameras replaced and additional cameras added, the reception desk replaced, and essential computer equipment purchased.

So far, two attempts at opening have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, but the trustees have used this opportunity to improve the customer experience by redesigning the internal layout, sourcing new stock items, adding new exhibits and concentrating on using the funding wisely, without which this may have been a different story.

Additional grants have been applied for to secure the ongoing future of the Rye Heritage Centre, including additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources, and there has been tremendous support from individuals and local companies, which has been very much appreciated, but – like many other businesses – any additional financial support is always welcomed.

A new exhibit is currently being built at the Heritage Centre which will be announced in Rye News when complete but, for the time being, these photos give you a flavour of what’s happening behind closed doors.

Image Credits: Heritage Lottery Fund , Nick Forman .