On Friday October 18 Rother Voluntary Action (RVA), hosted its annual general meeting in Rye. The highlight for those involved in the Rye area was the presentation of awards for volunteers, by the High Sheriff, Lucinda Fraser DL, who was representing His Majesty the King.
The audience was presented with a book explaining which organisations and their nominated volunteers had won an award and what they had achieved as volunteers.
The following extracts about Rye-based volunteers have been taken from the RVA’s booklet:
Two key officers of the Friends of St Mary’s Rye, Gill and Paddy Harvey, have worked tirelessly for over many years to effectively administer membership and finances for the Friends. This has enabled the charity to tackle a series of projects to enhance the ancient church.
In addition to many smaller works these have included the refurbishment of the ancient clock, the great west window and the organ. In all, £400,000 has been raised over fifteen years and committed to fabric improvements. These two volunteers deserve recognition for the long hours of dedication to the charity.
The Hub on the Hill received an award for the fourteen volunteers who give so much of their time to help this project thrive. Their invaluable contribution to the growing success is invaluable.
Emma Bosanquet from the Rye Community Garden received an award for her regular and active attendance to the garden for the last four years. She attends every Saturday morning and at special events with a variety of gardening activities. Her vivacious personality, warm smiles and big hugs light up the day for all at the community garden. She stands as an outstanding rôle model for all young people and gets involved in other volunteering rôles.
Alize du Buck also was presented with an award for her work and 110% commitment to the Rye Community Food and Wildlife Garden for the last four years. She is described as the mortar that binds the garden community together, tirelessly providing plans for the weekly events and always has a ready smile. Alize embodies the spirit and aspirations of the community garden.
In May 2021, with NHS England agreement, the Rye Vaccination Centre was established at Tilling Green Community Centre in Rye. To staff the centre a pool of sixty volunteer marshals and recorders was formed to support the professionals led by Clarity Chemists. This venture has been an outstanding example of volunteers and professionals working together to provide a vital community health facility.
Anthony Kimber, who works with RVA on several activities, said: ” With so many volunteers in Rye, it was great to see the Bexhill-based RVA hold its AGM in the town. For an event that celebrates volunteering, there are so many local individuals who could have been recognised. Those given certificates at the AGM represented just a small number of the fifty or so notable local groups.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Kt bruce .
Well done Emma and Alize on well deserved awards for the Rye Community Food and Wildlife Garden! Its a pleasure to know you both and to see the major difference you both make to the garden each week. I’m sure I speak on behalf of all my neighbours in Love Lane in saying how much we all appreciate the beautiful space the garden has become, not to mention how great it is to use the space for the many and varied events that happen there. You are so appreciated as are all the garden volunteers.
It’s good to see our superstar first responder in the lineup xx
Wasn’t it. Thank heavens for the selfless commitment made by these people.