Rye Repair Cafe (RRC) is going from strength to strength, though admittedly, at the last one on October 12 it was pouring with rain and not many people were expected. But during the morning, though not as busy as before, all volunteers saw at least one or two visitors with their items, especially Matt who sharpens garden and kitchen utensils. Though a very wet day, the volunteers arrived early to set up their tables – electricians, sewers, a clock person who also offers jewellery repairs, a general repairer, a computer expert, bicycle repairer and of course the friendly faces offering tea, coffee and cake.
Like before it was a lovely atmosphere as participants now getting to know each other better are working as a team, including the core group. That morning, even with the wet weather, a special visitor to Rye passed by the community centre and was of course invited to see what we were doing, after we were alerted by a bell and loud oyez. It was none other than Beadle Ellis Charles Pike of the Ward of Vintry, City of London who was making his way to the town crier competition going on at the Gun Garden, Rye.
Beadle Ellis spotted the sewers and made his way to the first one, Janet Horner, explaining that one of his buttons on the special jacket was lose, so could she fix it. While waiting he explained that this was not an ordinary button – it and all the others on his coat had been made from an imprint of an original historic beadle coat button with a special crest on it. Clearly a much treasured item and Ellis was very grateful that it was mended by chance on that day, before losing it. After a short speech, a picture outside with the volunteers and a loud oyez, he went on his way and left us all with a smile.
The next Rye Repair Cafe will be on November 9, from 10am to noon at the community centre on Counduit hill. There will be no meeting in December but we continue the RRC in January, every second Saturday. Do put the dates into your diary.
Image Credits: Dominic Manning , Sandra Lannigan .