A summer fete was held on June 1, for the first time since 2019, to raise money for the Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital Ltd charity, responsible for the Hospital at Rye and the Hub on Rye Hill, and whose aim is to bring services closer to home for the benefit of the community.
It all went with a swing as visitors enjoyed the many attractions, and visitors, staff and volunteers were delighted that the new Mayor of Rye, Andy Stuart (in post for only four weeks, including welcoming The Queen) was able to open the event with the Mayor of Winchelsea, Peter Cosstick. Making reference to the work of the hospital and its place in the community, Andy spoke of the work of the charity building on health and wellbeing links and its contribution to local initiatives.
Well worth the five-year wait, a fun-filled, action-packed afternoon followed, with plenty to do for both children and adults. Spread across the entire site, with the Hub providing drinks, food and a fascinating array of craft stalls, including scents, clothes from the Funky Hen and macrame items, visitors moved on to the front of the hospital, where the plant stall was doing a roaring trade and had sold out by 3.00pm. The Pimms & Gin tent was busy as always, with Charlotte Knoor MBE, the new CEO, and her husband in charge. There were two tombolas for children and adults and the musicians, the Ukelele Apothecary, were entertaining the visitors with their walkabout act. A large fire engine, the Brownies, Rye Bonfire Society and Rye Responders added to the interest.
The garden of St Barthlomew’s Court was kindly shared by its residents to host lots of children’s activities, with Captain Pugwash stories delivered in inimitable style by Isabel Ryan. The Puppet Petting Farm by the Handmade Theatre put on performances, with the Splitz Dance Academy giving much pleasure to parents as well as the performers. The donkey rides provided by Kelly’s Donkeys were in front of the hospital and Rocky and Taffy were particularly popular.
It was altogether a very successful occasion and a welcome return for a popular local community event. A grand total of £1,800 was raised, which will be used to buy a special bariatric chair for the ward.
Thanks must go to the events team and the indispensable volunteers, including the Rotary Club’sprofessional help with car parking and the charity’s tea and cake stall, for getting the fete up and running and for all the hard work on the day.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .