Sussex Day is a celebration held on June 16 each year to honour the county of Sussex in England. This date was chosen because it marks the feast day of Saint Richard of Chichester, who is the patron saint of Sussex. The day was officially recognised in 2007.
But what does Sussex Day mean to the people of Rye? A great deal, by all accounts. Our inimitable and well-loved town crier, Paul Goring, explained what Sussex means to him:
“Sussex is, quite simply, home. It is the county of my birth, the county of my ancestors’ births – the Gorings have been in Sussex since before William the Conqueror’s arrival. The county is in my blood, in my DNA, in every fibre of my being, and I cannot imagine ever living somewhere else. My life has been lived with the sea to my south, the green woodland of the Weald to my north, the strange Kentish marshland to my east and the slopes of the South Downs, like a friendly, sleeping Labrador, to my west. Who could ever want more?”
Paul’s love of all things Sussex has inspired him over the last few years to celebrate the day properly and this year he organised a really warm and carefully-crafted event at the Town Hall. On Sunday June16 at 12.30 Ryebellion drummers welcomed the crowds to the celebration.
Sussex Day celebrates the rich history, traditions, and cultural heritage of the county. It serves as an opportunity for residents and those with connections to Sussex to reflect on and take pride in their local identity. So Paul had chosen three residents of Sussex, Isabel Ryan, John Case and Martin Bruce to read poetry from Alfred Lord Tennyson, Hillaire Belloc and Kipling, all of whom had connections to Sussex.
Paul Goring cried the Sussex Charter and the mayor gave three cheers for the people of the county of Sussex. Rev’d Paul White, rector of St Mary’s read the prayer of St Richard of Chichester and the whole event was beautifully rounded off with Councillors Andi Rivett and Rebekah Gilbert leading the audience by singing Sussex by the Sea.
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Rye Cllr Andy Stuart said, “No-one can choose where they were born or are brought up, but most can choose where they live. Twenty-five years ago we chose to make Rye and Sussex our home. It just felt right. It felt like coming home.”
Colonel Anthony Kimber President Rye RBL explained, “Taking a military view, ‘Sussex by the Sea’ with its long coastline brings to mind the many invasion threats. Major powers for two thousand years have threatened our coastline: Romans, Saxons, Jutes, Danes, Normans, Spanish, French and Germans. Living on the “frontline” has meant Sussex folk are wilful, tenacious and resilient! Hence the motto: ‘We wun’t be druv’!”
Overall, Sussex Day plays a crucial rôle in celebrating and preserving the unique identity and heritage of Sussex whilst also fostering a sense of community and pride among its residents. Thank you, Paul Goring, for helping us to carry on this tradition in true Rye style.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .