The yearly St Mary’s Church Christmas Fair last weekend was, as every year, a buzzy event with many stalls and lots of people streaming in. And the coffee aroma was as inviting as were the cakes on offer.
Many charities take this opportunity to raise much needed funds to continue their work, which is always challenging as little or no money is forthcoming now from central or local government like Rother , who are also struggling because of cuts.
It is always a lovely and cheery atmosphere as the charities explain what they are trying to support with their home made crafts or donated items. These included the Women’s Institute, the health charity ARRCC, Rye Bonfire Society, Rye District Day Centre (Magdala House) and the Christmas Charity Cards shop.
I had an interesting conversation with the Street Pastors who launched their charity work in May in the evenings in Hastings, Camber and Rye. The pastors, founded in South London, voluntarily patrol the streets of towns and cities at night helping and caring for people in practical ways.
This may include removing potential weapons like bottles, or handing out flip flops in place of unsteady stiletto heels, as well as helping out people who have missed the last bus or train. Pastors engage with their community on a spiritual and practical level and can be reached between 10pm – 3am on 07941 149155 or 07443 90070 on the days that they work (alternative Fridays in Camber and Saturdays in Rye).
I spoke to St Mary’s Vicar Canon David Frost, who was helping out on the stall for the Rye Branch of the Mother’s Union. Their funds help two projects, one of which is to keep up a caravan locally for families who cannot afford a holiday as it allows them to have a break.
And, of course the Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital had a presence. On top of the hill, its development, so far and in the future, for us in Rye and the surrounding district is momentous. I spoke with one of the fundraisers, who are tireless in their efforts to get support from the community in interesting ways, and you should put in your diary February 13 next year when they are organising a Sixties Party and you can “Come and Twist and Shake” in the Milligan Theatre in Rye in conjunction with the Studio School who will provide the band.
There were many more charity stalls and a wonderful collection of second hand books, but I ran out of time.
At the end though I had to say hello to a special observer who was lazily viewing all these busy festivities, Sylvester, our well known church cat.
Photo: Kenneth Bird