Rye Heritage Centre is used to receiving visitors, they come in ever growing numbers to see the sound and light show and the amazing and recently restored scaled model of central Rye. Tuesday, February 13 witnessed the arrival of a very special visitor, Andrew Blackman CStJ who is the lord-lieutenant, the sovereign’s representative within the county of East Sussex. He takes precedence at all official events, which he attends within the county of East Sussex and the city of Brighton and Hove.
Mr Blackman was met at Rye Heritage Centre by the centre manager, Simon Parsons, who did a brilliant job of running proceedings in the absence of chair of trustees Chris Hoggart who was unfortunately unable to attend after testing positive for Covid.
The party made their way through to the main auditorium where invited guests joined them for a viewing of the sound and light show. Guests included Rye Heritage Centre trustees and volunteers; mayor, Cllr Andi Rivett; deputy mayor, Cllr Andy Stewart; Cllr Cheryl Creaser and representing the Royal Sussex Regiment Association, Barry Lane MBE (chairman) and Alan Bernhem-Parter (director)
Simon Parsons gave a brief introduction and explanation about the Rye town model before the show started and afterwards a genuinely delighted Mr Blackman thanked all for their hard work and commitment in forming a charity to safeguard the future of the town model for future generations to enjoy, for painstakingly (it took three months) rebuilding and repairing the model and for replacing the 30 year old wiring with a new computerised sound and light system, designed by Chris Hoggart.
After watching the show Mr Blackman gave a brief but amusing speech and felt that the town model “was really evocative and such a brilliant introduction to this wonderful, wonderful historic town. It’s great that you are here representing the people who actually built the model and really wonderful that you have kept and enhanced it ready for the next forty to fifty years.
“Well done to all of you for keeping this place alive, for setting up the charity, you couldn’t possibly have chosen a more difficult time to open! A place like this really takes an enormous amount of commitment, work, dedication and passion to keep it going, so on behalf of the county and all of us who come and visit, well done and thank you to all of you, your volunteers and supporters for doing what you to to keep this place going. It’s something that everyone, and particularly the town of Rye can be proud of so well done ”
After the show all were invited to the first floor exhibition area where they were able to see and appreciate the latest exhibition on show, courtesy of the Royal Sussex Regiment Association who have kindly loaned it to the heritage centre for at least a year. A unique collection of military memorabilia now added to the existing Victorian display.
Coming soon is the exciting new smugglers display, which has been a project in the making for some time now but very shortly will be ready for all to enjoy.
After refreshments the lord-lieutenant left for his next appointment which was the signal for everyone else all to follow suit and make their way home. An important and well executed visit conducted so seamlessly by Simon Parsons and his team of volunteers who give up their time to help promote our local history and heritage.
The heritage centre plays an important role in attracting visitors to the town but volunteers are always needed, so if you fancy becoming part of a motivated and very friendly team then please come forward and introduce yourself to Simon, he would be very pleased to hear from you and with the tourist season just around the corner, your help would be very welcome at this very busy period. Call 01797 226696 www.ryeheritage.co.uk hello@ryeheritage.co.uk.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .