Sheila Mann RIP

Sheila Mann, formerly of the Flushing Inn died on November 2, peacefully at home. There was a service to celebrate her life held at St. Marys Church on Wednesday, November 24.

Sheila was born on February 17, 1932 in Blackpool, Lancashire and was always very proud to be a ‘northerner’, she met her future husband Tony in Torquay in 1950, and they were married in 1955. They first came to Rye in 1956, working as managers at the Hope Anchor in Watchbell Street, leaving Rye briefly in 1959, only to return again in 1960 to purchase
the Flushing Inn, Market Street, which was a bed and breakfast with five rooms.

They developed the property together to become a mainly seafood restaurant, producing ‘gastronomic occasions’ during the winter months, Sheila produced wonderful and memorable dishes to be served at these dinners after travelling in France, Denmark and Italy for inspiration. They also employed students from the Rye area as apprentices, encouraging them to travel on completion of their time at college. They trained over 50 people, either in the kitchen or restaurant, and in some cases both. Sheila was always interested in how they progressed and what they were doing.

Sheila’s other great love was music – she adored Glyndebourne Opera House and supported it as a friend for over 50 years, and always looked forward to a visit to the ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Her favourite composer was Mozart, and her enthusiastic retelling of the story the day after a visit was so brilliant.

Sheila was kind, thoughtful and had huge compassion. Her family meant everything to her, she will be greatly missed by everyone.

Image Credits: Heather Flynn .