Jane Orchard, editor for over twelve years of The Pendulum (the parish magazine for Rye team ministry) has done a wonderful job and will be missed now that she has stepped down. She has decided that it is time for new blood and is hanging up her editorial pen and passing the baton to Susan Desrosiers. The magazine has six editions a year and incorporates news from all the churches in the ministry.
What brought you to Rye?
We emigrated from Canada in1987 and came to live in Benenden, initially as a two-year adventure. Jacques, my husband, was a chartered accountant but by the time he was forty had chosen a new path and was ordained as a priest in the Church of England so we stayed in the UK. His calling meant that we moved around quite a lot but ended up in Rye two years ago, after he retired. We have family and friends in the area so it was the right place to be. We love Rye.
Why did you choose to take up the rôle of editor of The Pendulum?
Probably because I am not very good at saying “no”. I had met Jane and she planted the seed and it grew. I do like to write. I have just finished a screen-writing course at the Discovery Centre. When Jack was a vicar I used to write the rector’s wife articles. I am looking forward to writing for The Pendulum: a new challenge.
What have you got involved with in the area?
We joined the U3A and I sing with The Marsh Choir as I love to sing.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Spending time on the beach. I loved the beaches along the Atlantic especially Vero Beach.
What three words describe you best?
Honest, curious and outgoing.
What is left on your bucket list?
To visit the boot of Italy. I am not the sort of person that wants to jump out of a plane.
What traits did you feel important to instil in your boys as they were growing up?
Kindliness and honesty.
Do you have a pet hate, what would you put in Room 101?
People chewing gum.
What is the best thing you own?
My Mazda MX-5, it is a convertible and I have had it for ten years.
Is there a smell that takes you back to childhood?
Camomile takes me back to walking through the countryside in Canada.
What would your eighteen-year-old self think about who you are today?
Shocked that I ended up as a vicar’s wife. Not shocked at all that I ended up living in England. In a high school year-book I wrote that my goal was to return to England where I had been born. When I was three we emigrated to Canada and our upbringing was quite traditionally British, with roast beef on Sundays.
Susan is also on the editorial team at Rye News.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .