Pulling back the curtains last Saturday morning the outlook wasn’t great, light rain, grey skies and not a hint of sunshine but, come what may it was the Peasmarsh Place Summer fete and the show had to go on, despite the elements. For months Sue Forman and Emma Stonham had been planning and preparing behind the scenes, selecting suitable stalls, inviting live music acts needed throughout the day, sourcing props from local organisations and persuading local businesses to support with a superb range of raffle prizes. It had to be good, after all the whole point of the fete was to celebrate 40 years of care for the elderly at Peasmarsh Place Care Home and England expects.
Thankfully, by 10.30 the last of the gazebos were up, the bunting and signage in place for all to see, the rain had gone, the grey skies were turning blue and the visitors started arriving.
Peasmarsh Place could have been made for a summer fete, a beautiful country house set in its own stunning grounds with views over open countryside for miles. The full width sun terrace is the perfect vantage point for the residents to enjoy the views over the gardens and lake and the ideal place to watch the day’s activities.
The cars just kept on coming, skillfully policed by the two young carpark attendants who did a fantastic job and there was plenty of room for everyone, entry was free with programmes available from the Pimms tent on arrival. Emma and Sue’s amazing team of helpers were dressed in bright yellow tee shirts emblazoned with the message ‘Celebrating 40 years of quality care 1984-2024’, all worked tirelessly throughout the day to make sure everyone had a good time and to ensure the day was one to remember.
There was splat the rat (always popular with kids wielding a mallet), the RNLI stall was situated beside the lake next to the hoopla and craft stalls and the traditional coconut shy was a real winner. The children’s play area was an endless source of fun for the younger visitors which gave mums, dads and grandparents the chance to relax on the grass and enjoy the stunning surroundings as they soaked up the entertainment.
First on stage was Jennifer Bannister and her amazing dogs, Darcy and Duke who performed a series of displays on command to the delight of the crowds who sat around the arena on freshly cut hay bales.
The children from Music Well were next, their angelic voices captivating the very appreciative audience and Martin Bruce and his Rye Harbour Herrings then entertained us all with a selection of shanties.
Lord Devonport, the owner of Peasmarsh Place (who was also born there) gave a fascinating talk on the history of his ancestral home and arboretum, followed by Ineza Kerschkamp who entertained us with a selection of jazz and big band standards.
During the day, visitors were buying freshly picked bouquets from Little Gate Farm, burgers and hotdogs from the barbeque and the kids had a ball having their faces painted. Rye players were in full Alice in Wonderland costume throughout the afternoon, walking amongst the visitors and playing croquet on the lawn.
Sophie and James Bull from Morebread Farm had their converted horsebox selling home produced local lamb and the ladies from Peasmarsh Church manned the water or wine stall. Tillingham Wines were offering the chance to taste and buy a selection of their wines and also generously donated the top raffle prize, a night at Tillingham Vineyards and dinner for two in their restaurant. The raffle was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of so many local businesses who showed their support. The tombola was also a complete sell out with a whole host of goodies – let’s face it, who can’t resist a little flutter for a good cause.
The weather just kept on getting better and by lunchtime the sun was out, the sky was a cloudless blue and the place was buzzing with activity. The residents took centre stage enjoying a home made traditional cream tea, sheltered under their sun canopies as the day got hotter and hotter, one resident couldn’t resist the opportunity to dance along to Glen Dean and the Allstars who played a fabulous set.
Thankfully, their services were not required but the fire brigade were there just in case, their fire engine a magnet for the younger visitors. By the end of the afternoon the crowds began to disperse, so next on the agenda was the dismantling, returning life back to normal. It was all hands to the pump, the staff and helpers were absolutely amazing and before you could blink the gazebos had gone, all the props broken down, bunting refolded, signage removed and hay bales neatly stacked.
What a fantastic day, what a huge success and what a lovely time for all the residents. After all, Peasmarsh Place is their home and they genuinely enjoy their time here. 40 years of quality care is testimony to the success of this business: a beautiful place to stay, looked after by experienced and caring staff who make sure that every resident is cared for with respect and dignity. All profits raised from the raffle go to Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital.
Thankyou to everyone who made this such a special day, one to remember and one which no doubt will be chatted about by residents and staff as they continue their journey together.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Nick Forman .