Thousands of people have watched a social media film which shows a very different side to Rye, and our town crier Paul Goring and rector Paul White. Sarah Broadbent from Rye Chamber of Commerce, who created the video, takes up the story.
We’re all familiar with the concept of things trending on Instagram these days, and one of the latest, “If Gen Z wrote the marketing script”, draws on the very distinctive vernacular of Gen Z to humorous effect. Hever Castle is one example – they did amazingly well with their take on it.
Here’s the film. Enjoy.
I’m very aware that our town’s heritage attractions are almost entirely run by volunteers who do an incredible job of keeping Rye on the map, but social media is yet another thing they have to remember to do without the luxury of a team to do it for them. It all takes time and effort when there are only so many hours in the day, and limited people to help.
As a business owner in the tourism sector and as the vice-chair of Rye Chamber of Commerce, I’m passionate about supporting those who make Rye a unique place to visit. I called Simon Parsons who runs our fabulous heritage centre and asked if he’d trust me to do a version of the Instagram trend in a bid to create a bit of extra attention for them and maybe help build their audience. He was hugely game, gave me the green light and we agreed that Paul Goring, and Father Paul White would be perfect for the task at hand. Judith Blincow at the Mermaid Inn was also super supportive in letting us film there and sharing our efforts. Both Pauls were just naturally brilliant, all I really had to do was edit it together and put it out on Instagram as a collaboration with the Rye Heritage Centre.
We hoped it would make people laugh, and it certainly seems to have done so – a few days after publication the post had been seen by almost thirty thousand people. The question now is – what will we do next? Watch this space!
If you’re on Instagram here’s the direct link to the video
Image Credits: Sarah Broadbent .
I think the video is great Sarah and although I am a bit of a (stick in the mud) when it comes to technology your article does show that it is important particularly for local businesses to embrace it. Also well done to the two Paul’s!
Very well done to the double act. You slayed it!
Personally, I think Rye has far too many delightful, historical features and locations to justify having two such august gentlemen pander to the TikTok minions by offering a mini-tour of the town delivered in teen slang. Frankly, I am amazed that they can deliver the lines without bursting into laughter at the ridiculousness of it.