The Rye Ukulele Experiment was invited to play at Pashley Manor, near Ticehurst on Saturday, September 17 when St Michaels Hospice organised a craft fair. Keen as ever, we arranged to be there at 9:30am to set up. We hoped we would be in a marquee as the weather was definitely not fit for singing on an open stage with electricity running through it. We were provided with a tiny marquee which was supposed to be just for our bits and pieces but seven of us, plus various instruments, stands and music huddled inside to get out of the rain.
Luckily, in the end the organisers found a small space in the big marquee, which was great as it brought people in, kept us dry and we could be heard. They obviously enjoyed it as they demanded an encore. It was good fun.
Pashley Manor, on the border of Sussex and Kent is an unusual Tudor/ Georgian manor house. It is a private home which provides a memorable backdrop to the beautiful gardens which are open to the public. It has a cafe and gift shop and is open until September 30.
Asked by Rye Arts Festival to play on September 17 for their opening day outside Adams, on the High Street, The Rye Ukelele Experiment that Saturday afternoon raised £76.63 for St Michael’s Hospice. Obviously visitors and locals greatly enjoyed their playing.
Photos: Heidi Foster