The latest grants from the Rye Fund awarded to ten local voluntary groups were celebrated in the town hall on Wednesday January 17.
The new chair of the Rye Fund panel, Rosemary Roberts, welcomed representatives of the organisations receiving the awards, members of the panel, the Sussex Community Foundation, Rother Voluntary Action, and founders and members of the steering group of the fund. Established in 2008 as an endowment fund to support the community of Rye and the surrounding area within a 6 miles radius, it awards annual grants of up to £2000 to local charities and community groups.
With the help of the mayor, Andi Rivett, certificates were awarded to the organisations who had the opportunity to outline the projects that were being funded.
Margaret Hall and Marie Ballard of Hands of Hope received funding to help run their Peasmarsh lunch club for older people which provides a nutritious meal using fresh produce from the gardens, with entertainment, a raffle and a pickup and drop-off service.
On behalf of Rye Castle Museum, chair Stephen Masters and Jo Kirkham accepted the award for a new computer for the office administrator to replace an ageing one. Pat Hughes of the Rye and District Community Transport explained how, without being eligible for a fuel duty rebate, the award will go towards the fuel costs to run the 326 bus for the benefit of the community.
Lorna Hall and Helena Hudd of the Rye Flower and Veg Show explained that their grant will be used to fund the marketing and scheduling for this year’s annual show, now in its 20th year, with the aim to attract more entries, especially from children.
The work of the Community Garden was recognised with funding for regular outreach activities including talks and activities to promote gardening, the protection of wildlife and sustainable living and attract more members of the garden. Graham Ellis accepted the award along with one for Community Compost Solutions CIC (Community Interest Company) which works to educate and involve the local community to reduce landfill through composting waste.
Ali Casey of Winchelsea New Hall received the grant for the renovation of windows in the ladies’ toilets which have not been updated since 1926. The Rye Cricket Club award, to fund coaching sessions for juniors both at the club and at local schools, was received by Martin Blincow.
Further grants were awarded to the Rye Wurlitzer Academy and the Rye and District Street Pastors Initiative.
The soon-to-be adopted new Rye Fund logo and website for the Rye Fund, designed by Jess and David Angell, was also shared with the meeting.
The application deadline for the next round of grants will be in September 2024. Donations and legacies to grow the fund are welcomed. Further information on the fund and application process can be found here.
Image Credits: Juliet Duff .