The Pett Methodist Church setting was beautiful, sitting back from Pett Road with a wonderful stained glass cross which was lit up in its different colours by the sun shining through. This was the location for a talk by Annie Soudain on March 8 in which she shared recollections of her life which in this talk started in 1970 when she and husband John, by chance, came across a very dilapidated house in Pett Level. They were only exploring the area and the beach but fell in love with the house and decided to make it their home.
Initially and for some time, Annie and John and their two young children lived in a caravan while rebuilding the place. While the conditions were cramped the whole family loved their life which included roaming on the beach, John building a boat and rebuilding the ones needing repair. He was always involved in boats and the sea and often took the children with him to the beach.
While locals initially watched the unfamiliar life as a family, they were quickly integrated, Annie becoming involved in fundraising, creating doll music boxes to sell, though the person from the shop apparently loved them so much he never sold them. She made two dolls for a fundraiser and children could name them. Annie also worked in schools including at Thomas Peacock. Many of the events, whether fundraising or celebrating something, happened on their land.
Annie eventually was able to continue what she loved most: painting in her very particular style. She was accepted by the Royal Society of Art and established herself with her recognisable style of lino print of gold finches, gentle colours for landscapes, birds, forests, leaves and sunsets – a very unique style. Annie exhibited widely including locally at Rye Art Gallery.
Her book, which started as a project in lockdown, is now for sale as of course are her loved cards, available at www.anniesoudain.co.uk.
When asked to give her talk at the chapel, she said: “No-one will be interested in me.” Well, eventually the chapel had standing room only and sitting in the aisle.
Pett Chapel is a multi-used venue now with very comfortable seating. Since 1948 the little chapel served the village of Pett and surrounding areas, providing a warm welcome to all. The early part was created by a group which originated from Devon and brought their particular brand of Christianity to this area. The Bible Christians became part of the mainstream Methodist church in 1907. The present church hall which was the original chapel is now used for exhibitions and other events with a small kitchen providing coffee, tea and cakes for donations. The present worship area is in the new extension added in 1956. The interior has been modified over the years with the comfy chairs and added audio-visual equipment which was planned to sit easy alongside the traditional parts – the pulpit, font and communion table.
While the chapel was originally used for worship, now many community elements have been added including the post office for Pett, operating Mondays and Thursdays. It also has an archive resource and is used by local groups (such as a drop off for Rye Foodbank, the community choir, a sewing group.) It is a calm and beautiful space, well worth visiting and keeping an eye out for their programmed events. Further information can be found here.
For more information about the artist see a recent Rye News article here.
Image Credits: Annie Soudain , Heidi Foster .