This fourth Monday in the month, April 29, some 30 or more senior citizens turned up at the Rye Community Centre on Conduit Hill, where they enjoyed a sit down two course meal and drinks all for £6. The reason they came is not the excellent value of the meal; they came for sociability and to meet with friends.
The lunch was laid on as it has been for more than twenty years by the Royal Voluntary Service, formerly known as the WRVS, a band of volunteers now led by Chris Emson. Chris was back-stage in the recently refurbished kitchen with Janet Sherwood, whilst in front of house were other volunteers I spoke with, including Jane Nunn, Inge Davie and Rae Festing.
Rae Festing now does the back office work but previously had given 18 years to organising this event before her knee operation forced her retirement from the front line. Fortunately Chris Emson took on the challenge before adding her latest responsibility for the Wednesday Foodbank distributions at the Methodist church. Inge Davie has one of the longest periods of community service and is almost a Ryer, having moved to Rye 70 years ago.
The next seniors’ luncheon will be on Monday June 24 and not on May 27, that being a Bank Holiday.
Image Credits: Jane Nunn .