ARRCC held the grand opening of its latest venture, a furniture warehouse on Saturday August 30. ARRCC has been in existence for 14 years and is a charity that aims to provide “Activities, Respite, Rehabilitation and Care Centres” for physically and sensory impaired adults. In addition they provide day services for older people and assistance for carers. ARRCC has centres in Rye, Bexhill and Folkestone that provide professional care by qualified staff and volunteers and the people who receive assistance are known as ‘members’ , not customers or clients….and ARRCC has painted a large mural on the front wall of the storage building.
The warehouse was opened by Andy McConnell, who has a glass emporium in Rope Walk and is the regular glass expert on the BBC’s Antique Road Show, in front of the mural. Irma Morlock, ARRCC’s Press Officer, welcomed the assembled guests who included Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye; Councillor Bernadine Fiddimore, Mayor of Rye, and Councillor Jo Kirkham of Rye; and Councillors Vicki Dawson and Clive Goddard from Lydd. Irma picked out volunteer Mark Lockton and Jackie Barker, manager of the warehouse, for special mention in her speech, and when Jack Hemmings introduced Andy McConnell he highlighted Andy’s support for ARRCC by getting donations from those seeking valuations at his shop.
Andy McConnell said he supported ARRCC because “we are lucky to live in the most prosperous times for our country, but some people have problems not of their causing and in our area ARRCC are the people who help out and get them back on their feet.” The warehouse was officially opened when Andy McConnell and Amber Rudd cut the ribbon across the door, and the guests then filed in to see what was on offer clutching their Pimms. In order for this venture to be successful, say ARRCC, it needs two forms of help from the community. Firstly, if you have any ‘pre-loved’ furniture that you would like to donate, please look on ARRCC’s web site, http://www.arrcc.org.uk/ . Their telephone number can be found there. They can arrange the collection of heavy or bulky items of furniture. Secondly, if you are looking for ‘pre-loved’ furniture they are located at The School Creative Centre, New Road, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7LS…and it is now in the hands of our local community to make this project a success.
Photos by Ray Prewer