In 2019 when the threat of closure of the centre became known, the local community rallied. At a public meeting, attended by residents from all around the town it became clear that this was a facility that the town was not prepared to let go. Many of those present had fond memories of visiting the town model as children and then returning with their families.
People rallied at this meeting and many volunteered to help in any way they could, such was the strength of feeling. A charity was formed and, following negotiations with Rye Town Council, took over as operators in April 2020. Let’s brush over the fact that we arrived with the pandemic, Rye has lived through plagues and such like before, let’s focus on what we have achieved in spite of adversity instead! We hope now we can repay some of that local support by hosting events that will appeal to local residents.
Writing this as the manager appointed in June 2021, it gives me a sense of pride to reflect on how far we have come thanks to the dedication and loyalty of an amazing team of volunteers and the support of a committed board of trustees.
From the outset it was always the intention of the charity to be a facility for the local community to enjoy as well as a place for visitors to learn about our heritage. We have had visits from local schools who have spent the morning with us firstly seeing the model followed by a guided walk around the town which sometimes includes a visit to the Mermaid Inn. We’ve had a visit from the Rye cub scouts, a F-Rye-t night and a ghost walk with the lovely team from the Rye Retreat and of course our Elizabethan pageant.
We also played host to the HerStory exhibition and the summer came to a close with our offering for the Rye Arts Festival with a guided walk to look directly at the impact of the second world war.
Perhaps our biggest success over the last year has been the replacement of all the failed electronics and lighting which after some frightening costings of around £80,000 we managed to do in-house and at much lower cost with the help of volunteers and some rapidly learned expertise, not to mention some amazing donations from some generous supporters.
Second on our list must be the Queen Elizabeth I commemoration day – an amazing community effort combining the Heritage Centre team with the town crier, Rye Players, St Mary’s rector, the Sing it Out choir, the Harbour Herrings, Ryebellion Drummers, Alex MacArthur Interiors and Chapmans fishmongers.
We’ve just opened our first floor exhibition space, currently with a display about the second world war including the impact on Rye and have opened up phase 1 of the Smuggler’s Attic telling the story of smuggling in Rye.
It’s been a busy season with different challenges to the last two years but now Rye Heritage Centre is poised to enter the autumn and winter season with an offering of talks, presentations and events including the return of our popular F-Rye-t Night special event; the history of Rye Bonfire; and Christmas in Rye to look forward to. For full details of the programme and tickets visit the website www.ryeheritage.co.uk.
It’s surprising sometimes to learn that many local residents have never visited the Heritage Centre so now’s the time to call in. Admission is free although there is a charge to see the sound and light show and the town model. Tickets for local residents are half price so don’t forget to mention it when buying your ticket.
Finally – we’re always on the lookout for additions to our volunteer team so get in touch if you want to find out more – info@ryeheritage.co.uk.
Image Credits: Simon Parsons .