Rye’s mayor reports back on the past two weeks – as he became heavily involved in a historic moment on behalf of the town in various ways – including muffling St Mary’s bell as it marked the Queen’s death, and hearing the new King proclaimed at Dover Castle (as pictured above).
“Well, it wasn’t the fortnight any of us had planned or expected. The sad passing of a magnificent monarch, who had reigned over us and given outstanding public service for seven decades was a shock to us all, so soon after a new prime minister had been sworn in.
“Sadly, we had no choice but to cancel the Festival of the Sea and I’d like to thank the volunteer committee, who have worked so hard over the last year to make this happen, for all their hours and hours of hard work and endeavours. Not only was it during a period of national mourning, but so many elements were against us in terms of safety for the raft race (shown below) that we simply couldn’t go ahead.
“I know this upset a number of people vocal on social media, however, it was a taken after a great deal of thought and discussion and has meant a great deal of work for the volunteer committee in terms of refunds and so forth.
“We looked at holding just the raft race a few weeks later, however, there were not enough rafters available to warrant the very considerable cost to our sponsors. Many of them have most kindly agreed that we hold onto their sponsorship until next year when the sea festival will come back. Thank you all.
Time to lower the flags
“Being a hands-on mayor, as soon as the announcement of the Queen’s death was made, I went with my stepson Oliver to lower flags around the town to half mast, including the one at Rye Harbour, by which time it was dark and raining.
“The next day I helped muffle the church bells, which involves lying right under the bell and tying a leather strap around the clapper, easier said than done and not the cleanest of operations. Thank you to another team of volunteers, the bellringers, for ringing for an hour in memory of the Queen. We then had to de-muffle the bells in order to ring again on the following day for the accession of King Charles III.
“On Sunday, September 11, as protocol dictates, all the Cinque Port mayors attended Dover to hear the proclamation of the new King, as read by the deputy constable of Dover Castle. Sadly, the lord warden of the Cinque Ports was indisposed, but his chaplain read prayers. Rye’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Stewart attended Lewes for the high sheriff’s proclamation.
“Rebekah and I swiftly returned to Rye for the proclamation in our town, with many of our councillors also present. Thanks again to my stepson for seeing to the flags that day.
Remembering with music
“We did take part in the proms at Rye College in aid of the Wurlitzer on Friday, September 9. Again, after debate as to whether this should go ahead, the organisers felt that a respectful programme of music would be suitable. Music can often help the emotions and is able to express things more than words.
“So, there was a massive change in repertoire at 6pm, and at 7pm we were on stage. Thanks to Jonathan Breeds and Rebekah for singing and for Michael Wooldridge for his musicianship. I think we have become three old mayors (see photo above) and a Wurlitzer organ! An audience of over 80 were grateful that it was a way that locals could remember her majesty with music. We certainly felt very strange singing “God Save the King” just 24 hours after the announcement.
“In other news, Rebekah and I had a most enjoyable afternoon on Saturday, September 3. Firstly, there was the “It’s a knockout” at the Rye Rugby Club, a fundraising event for the Rye Hospital, which was very well attended and organised, and I am sure everyone had fantastic fun.
“We then moved to the community centre for the annual flower and vegetable show, superbly organised again by Lorna Hall and Helena Hudd. This is a wonderful time for local people who have spent a year growing and nurturing super fruit and veg to come together as a community. The following day, Sunday, we attended the mayor of Tenterden’s civic service at St Mildred’s church.
To twin, or not to twin
“On Monday, September 5 we had a full town council meeting which included a debate on whether we should investigate twinning Rye with Montreuil in France. There was considerable debate, but I am grateful to my colleagues for allowing me to take the next step in the investigation as to whether this is feasible and what benefits it will bring both towns. Montreuil is very similar in many ways to Rye and I will visit at my own expense to meet with their mayor next month.
“On Wednesday, September 7 we had a lovely evening again in the Waterworks micropub singing shanties, and it was a most participatory crowd who enjoyed singing along with us. That night we raised £100 for the air ambulance.
“We were due to attend some of the Rye Arts Festival events, and I am grateful to Cllr Stewart and the festival team for their hard work in reorganising some of these during the period of national mourning.
“On Sunday, September 18 it was a privilege to take part in the church service of remembrance for the late Queen. Many people in the town played a role in this and I thank them for all their endeavours.”
Image Credits: Rebekah Gilbert , John Minter .