It’s one of the best window displays in Rye High Street and often reflects events happening in or around the town. And last week it was retro week at the Sue Ryder charity shop.
Manager Denise Ellis explains: “We’ve always tried to mirror events happening in town, whether it’s the jazz festival, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day. It started with just a single rail for each event, but it’s proved so popular that the window display is our main promotion and we can almost fill the shop with items when it’s a good theme like this week.”
Last week’s retro theme celebrated the Classic and Custom Car Cruise, one of the highlights of the autumn, when a convoy of stunning classic and custom cars snaked across Romney Marsh from Pontins to Rye.
Rose Dearden and Samantha Rolfe, both regular volunteers in the Rye charity shop, were suitably attired for the occasion. Sam is a bit of a retro and vintage aficionado. “There’s something beautiful about how women looked and dressed back then,” she said. “The whole scene has a wonderful aesthetic to it and the men all looked so very handsome. Just pure elegance and charm.”
The shop currently has about 20 volunteers working mostly morning or afternoon shifts, though some do work a full day. “We’re always looking for more help,”, said Denise, “especially people who are happy to work weekends.”
If you’re interested in helping out at the Sue Ryder charity shop, email: rye2035@sueryder.org
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .