Firstly I hope everyone is safe and well after the stormy weather we’ve had. Thankfully it looks like it has all passed now. It did mean, however, that plans to start getting the Christmas lights up were delayed. You’ll not be surprised to know that it takes quite a lot of preparation before each string of lights hits the street. I am grateful to Cllr Sophie Judge for making sure they were all accessible at the front of the lock up container so that I could easily load them up and bring them back to my workshop. Once there, each box has to be emptied, each string untangled from when they were put away last year, checked to see if they work or not, mended if possible, PAT tested and then made ready to load in the van again (and there are hundreds of strings of lights!).
I am grateful to my group of volunteers who, having had last year off, are back ready and willing to help out in all weathers to ensure we are illuminated for Christmas. I know that traders need them up much earlier this year for late night shopping on Saturday, November 18, which I am sure will be a lovely evening. This means that they will be battered by rains and winds for a couple more weeks than usual, but hopefully they will stand the test of time. Because of the weather, and ensuring they are not in a position to be damaged on bonfire night, means we are tight pressed for time this year, but worry ye not, we will do our level best for the town to get strategically placed lights up. We will ensure that every string of working lights will be up for the family Christmas event, again organised by Cllr Judge, on Saturday, December 2. She does a wonderful job bringing this festive fun to Rye. Thank you Sophie. And thank you to the other Sophie for helping me (as pictured!)
It is of course Remembrance Sunday this week and I know you will want to pay respects at this important annual civic event. I have muffled the bells in time for Thursday night’s practice, and for ringing at the service on Sunday, which is at 10:55am in time for the two minute silence. I will also be ensuring that flags are flying around the town appropriately, and I personally renew any that are damaged by the weather.
Don’t forget that this year’s bonfire night starts an hour earlier this year, leaving Tilling Green at 7pm. The Bonfire Boys and Girls do a great job clearing up afterwards, with the help of Rother District Council, but this may be the last year they get that assistance. So please make sure you take litter home with you to make all their lives easier, and for our beautiful town to shine on Remembrance Day.
There is a big gig on Friday, November 17 at the community centre in aid of the Mary Stanford appeal. It should be a great evening – see posters around the town for full details.
Our regular Waterworks shanty evening this week raised £250 for the Poppy Appeal – thank you to everyone who was so generous.
Finally, some terrific news in relation to the possible future of the pool and sports centre. The Charity Commission has, this week, registered the Rye Recreation and Wellbeing charity – the local organisation hoping to take over the running of the centre next year.
Image Credits: Isabel Ryan , Rye News library .