A long trail of torches wound round the town on Saturday, borne by a marvellously-clad assortment of visitors from Sussex bonfire societies walking with our own Quakers, our two companies of Majorettes, two bands, and led by Miss Rye and her Maids of Honour. Trophies were presented at the Globe en route; most of the "best dressed" awards went to visiting societies, though Rye shared with Littlehampton the prize for the best dressed group of three. Winning commercial float was Maidstone Telecom's Old Man in a Shoe, and the splendid Viking ship crewed by the 4th Rye Brownies came first in the non-commercial class, followed by Rye Scouts going camping and Playden WI's memory of Dr. Syn. Rye Young Farmers won the Youth Award. The best-dressed society was Burgess Hill, the Aztec warriors. Two new awards were made this year, and went to Bryans Garage (sorry, Skinners) for their shop window display, and to the Queen's Head Hotel for giving most support to the Society. It rained, but not enough to spoil the fun, and both bonfire (lit by Miss Rye, Tessa Collins) and fireworks went up to expectations. Only two arrests were made, both members of a visiting bonfire society who saw fit to throw rook-scarers into the crowd. Chief Inspector Dyson, whose first Bonfire Night this was, had no idea what to expect and decided to leave his police car and walk with the procession as it neared the middle of the town; he was very pleased to find everyone so good-humoured, and considers that the organisers, those taking part in the procession and the watching crowds should be congratulated on a very successful Bonfire Night.
Jimper Sutton told the GAZETTE on Monday afternoon that the total raised in collecting boxes so far counted was £666 with some boxes still to come in. Recently the Society's policy has been to return money collected to the charities whose collecting boxes gained it, donations also go to police and firemen's benevolent funds, and of course expenses to, for instance, the visiting bands. So if you want your pet charity to benefit from next year's Bonfire Night, make sure you have your own collectors at the ready. And there will be a next year, Jimper assures the GAZETTE; but he points out that the Bonfire Boys are a small group and would like more members as well as more help on the night - they could have done, for instance, with half-a-dozen more nimble lads to pick up and dowse dropped torches along the route on Saturday. He has promised to let the GAZETTE know of the Society's plans well in advance so that we can publicise them (the fireworks, etc., are all paid for from money raising events during the year) and perhaps make 1983 Bonfire Night even more successful. (The small criticism this year was that the procession's commentator had a maddening way of referring to "your little town" making it all to clear that he was a furriner!)
For the fourth year running, Rye Woolworths is offering an evening's Christmas shopping to elderly and disabled people in the area. The idea is now spreading, and this year they will be joined in this excellent plan by Serendipity, Penny Royal (in its spacious and attractive new shop, 22 High Street) and Boots the Chemists.
The big night is Thursday, 9 December, and invitations have been sent to Badger Gate, Devonport House, Greyfriars, and housing groups in Peasmarsh, Icklesham and Northiam; but of course people living in their own homes are also welcome, plus friends who come to lend a hand. There will be free transport for those who would like it, provided by Rye Lions (just leave a note at Woolworths or ring Rye 2335). The shops concerned will stay open from 5.30 until around 8.0, and the Woolworths staff are not only giving up their evening but are once again providing refreshments for their guests. The Greyfriars contingent was unable to come in 1981 because of bad weather, but the previous year it was found that one old lady was doing her own shopping for the first time since decimalisation!
Woolworths manager Mr. Ernest Wren adds that they can deliver anything too big to take home on the night; indeed, they can always arrange delivery of large purchases, and the little Rye branch can order for local customers things seen in the Hastings or Ashford branches not normally stocked in Rye.
2.
The sudden and tragic death at Ham Street of Andrew Dennett, 19, has cast a shadow over the town, particularly Rye Players where, as one of their younger members, Andrew was regarded with affection and respect by the group. He was a very talented artist, and will be remembered for his stage designs for Thomas Peacocke School, particularly the spectacular backdrop and some of the head-dresses for "The King and I" three years ago. Our deepest sympathy goes to his mother, Mrs. Sheila Dickens, and her family.
Mrs. Nora Hall, who has died peacefully after a long illness, was better known in Rye as Nora Fellows. Aged 51, Mrs. Hall is mourned by her mother and two sisters, as well as her husband, son and daughter at her New Brighton home. The funeral has taken place, but donations instead of flowers would be gratefully received by the National Children's Home.
Mr. Archie Frampton, who died recently aged 83, was well-known as one of the team of Rye dustmen in the Borough Council days. He had lived in Rye all his married life - Mrs. Frampton died nearly 15 years ago - and leaves five daughters, of whom Mrs. Handford of Winchelsea Road and Mrs. Osborn of Nutley Close looked after him as his sight began to fail in later years. Once a keen Footslogger, Mr. Frampton was a founder member of the British Legion Club, and also a Special Constable. His loss will be felt by his many friends in the town.
A recent death in North Salts was that of Mr. Sydney Budd, aged 73. Mr. Budd was the father of Roy Budd, the well-known pianist.
Did you know that under the 1982 Wildlife and Countryside Act, the regulations about dogs and livestock have been made very much more stringent? Chief Inspector Dyson, who when he came to Rye Police Station in the summer had been expecting sheep-worrying complaints against dogs owned by holidaymakers, has been surprised to find that the trouble mostly lies with local dog-owners, and there are currently several prosecutions pending. He feels that much trouble could be avoided if dog-owners were aware of the present position.
Under the new Act, the term "worrying livestock" has been extended to include a dog at large in a field containing livestock. This means that in theory a farmer is entitled to shoot a dog loose in a field of sheep, whether the dog and the sheep are taking any notice of each other or not; more likely, the farmer can ask the police to prosecute the dog's owner. Even if the owner is present but not in control of the dog, an offence is being committed – again - whether or not the dog is actually worrying the sheep in the accepted sense. This, of course, means that people who let their dog out for a run in an area where there may be sheep (and farmers do move their animals around from field to field) can well be laying themselves open to prosecution, and just possibly risking their pet's life as well. The Magistrates' Office tells us that the maximum penalty for sheep-worrying is a fine of £200, let alone a possible prosecution for keeping a dangerous dog.
Chief Inspector Dyson has asked us to publicise these new regulations in the hope that people owning dogs in the Rye area will realise what their responsibilities now are as regards their animals, and thus avoid unnecessary prosecutions.
When Victor Wear ran the Bistro restaurant in Rye some years ago, he had a blackboard outside, ostensibly for the menu but in fact accommodating some fairly uninhibited comments on the world in general as seen by the proprietor. This enlivened the High Street for some months, until Victor's departure for Brighton and, ultimately, the career of a guide-writer for gourmets abroad. He has now turned his talents homewards and has just published "Bon Appetit in the City", with support from Sun Life and illustrations by Rye artist Chad Coleman. The book reviews 38 of the City of London's eating houses. Victor says that to be in it at all is a compliment, but certainly the comments are sometimes very far from complimentary, vividly recalling his High Street blackboard - we hesitate to quote for fear of libel proceedings! However, whether or not you are actually likely to be eating out in the City, the guide is a very entertaining read in its own right, and at £1.65 a handy Christmas present for commuter friends. It is the first of what we hope will be a flourishing series of UK guides published by the Wears at Point Hill.
3.
THE RYE GAZETTE 24.11.82 - page 3
We would like to offer the GAZETTE'S congratulations to Georgette Thurston of the Sussex Express, who gets married on Friday. Lucky man is John McCready, until recently on the staff of the Kent and Sussex Courier and now working for the Exeter Express and Echo; the honeymoon will be spent near (as opposed to on or even in) Dartmoor. Congratulations and the best of luck!
Congratulations also to Pat French, of Hucksteps Row, and Tom Bowen, of Guildford, who were married in London last Friday and will be living in West Hampstead. Pat is of course the daughter of Rye artist Kitty French, and her many friends in the town will wish her and her husband well.
Somewhat sceptically the GAZETTE followed up rumours that Hill House was due to receive a flood of patients from Hampton rumours apparently prompted by a delivery of barbed wire to an adjoining field. The hospital's Administrator Mr. P.K. Millington tells us, not in the least to our surprise, that Hill House will not be receiving a flood of patients from Hampton or anywhere else; that even if it were there would be no question of using barbed wire for fencing since this would constitute a danger to the patients; and that they don't like fences anyway, and only use them where necessary to keep patients away from the road, as would any establishment dealing with children. As for the batch of barbed wire, Edward Mills whose land adjoins Hill House tells us that Seeboard have been repairing the fencing around their transformer at the top of the hill. This is how rumours start; it is a pity they can't all be stamped on so easily. Next, please?
It may not be generally known that, as well as the Rye Town Lottery, there is another opportunity in the town to risk a small annual amount for a local good cause, with the chance of a handy sum in prize money. The Peacocke Club, as the name suggests, is run through the school; and in the two years of its existence has raised around £1,300 p.a. for school funds, with an equal amount distributed in prize money. There are 11 monthly draws, with around £80 shared between four lucky winners except at Christmas and the Michaelmas Fair draw, when the prizes are very considerably larger. Membership, open to anyone (not only parents) is £12 a year, payable monthly if this is more convenient, and the Club's Treasurer Bob Huxstep would welcome old scholars or former parents into his flock - contact him at Thomas Peacocke Lower School.
"Down Your Way" came to Rye on Thursday and departed with half-a-dozen interviews for the January programme. Obviously the producer aimed for the out-of-the-ordinary aspects of Rye, and those interviewed were Jo Kirkham, talking about the town's history and its Cinque Ports connections; Biddy Cole, on Rye Festival and our senior pottery; Joy Harland who made the Rye Town Model; Lesley Brownbill of Ryesingers; and two men from the seaward side of the town, Humphrey Lestocq of the lifeboat team and, we understand, Brewer Parsons talking about the fishing industry and a certain trip to Dunkirk.
Congratulations to Chris Ashbee of Military Road, who came 38th out of 2,000 runners in a full marathon, at Farnham Castle on Sunday.
Winners in the Rye and District Movie Society's recent contests were Mrs. Jeffery Waters and Mr. Bert Osborne for their jointly produced film “Nearer God's Heart", with commentary by Mrs. Waters, which was awarded the Horner Torch Trophy; and Mr. Peter Spencer, who gained the Catt Trophy for his farming film "Songs of Autumn". Both films will be shown, with others made by members, at the Society's Guest Night at the FE Centre on Friday, 3 December at 7.30.
THE RYE GAZETTE, 24.11.82 - page 4
The Royal British Legion reports a record total of £2,035 from the Rye district, £1,014 of it from Rye itself (and a very creditable £172 from Winchelsea town, almost doubling the return from any other village); Bob Bowler thanks all helpers.
A quite unexpectedly large audience at Thomas Peacocke School on Thursday was rewarded by an excellent dramatic entertainment, with nine separate items packed into little over two hours. The fourth-year production of "Island", a well-acted fantasy about sanctuary or shipwreck in the middle of a busy main road, was enhanced by the splendid appearance of the menacing and ultimately defeated lorries. Rose Richardson, Stephen Hunt and Andrew Starling starred in three short and very enjoyable Pinter sketches, and a wryly amusing fifth-year play, "Think of Story, Quickly", also had Pinter overtones. There was an impressive group of dances, including a delightful scarecrow sequence with Sarah Whiddett and Tracy Cooke. Rother and Meryon presented their entries for the recent House Play competition, which had the theme of "Vision": Rother's version, written by Debbie Gale, used the full resources of the stage for its sad tale of a bereaved family, while Meryon offered a very amusing view of her fellow-pupils by head girl Amanda Briggs. But the outstanding piece of the evening was also Amanda's, a morality play "Waiting for the Down Train", skilfully constructed with crisp dialogue, an unusual story-line and an effective twist at the end - and done full justice to by a group of sixth-form actors. This play will be presented again at St. Mary's on Thursday evening, with other musical and dance items, and is well worth its repeat performance.
Mention should be made of David Webb's stage crew, responsible for lighting, sound and stage management for this complicated evening as well as Friday's event - particularly Daniel Lyward and Tommy Dunlop who spent three evenings (including the dress rehearsal) perched high above the heads of the audience, manipulating the spotlights.
On Friday night, members of the staff and Upper Sixth and their friends presented an informal and often ad-lib impression of the Great War. Starting with a slap- stick recruiting sketch, with some rather surprised members of the audience finding themselves called up by Sergeant Gil Wright and Corporal Mike Surman, the lighthearted and patriotic tone darkened as the evening went on and the full meaning of that bloody war was brought home to the large and intent audience. Chris Rose, Brian Creese, Peter Jobling and Michael White were among the fighting men; Faye Wright, Sarah Foster-Ogg and Tracy Johnstone led a decorative troupe of sweethearts and wives; Frances Paintin was a determined if outnumbered suffragette, and the Headmaster hid behind a German accent as the Christmas of 1914 was recalled. Also taking part were Brian Moses and Pie Corbett, Nigel Spooner was at the piano, and Chris Rose produced.
Taken in conjunction with Lower School's forthcoming pantomime, these two evenings showed the strength of drama in the school today - a strength of which John Corbett would have been very proud.
Rye Museum Association members on Monday much enjoyed a talk by Dr. Gwen Jones about oasthouses and hopping, illustrated with admirable slides and at last explaining slowly and carefully what actually goes on inside an oast, After her talk, Dr. Jones mentioned that she is engaged in a survey of prehistoric activity in the area. Such activity is often revealed by the finding of worked flints, but all too often the finders don't realise that anyone is interested and merely park them on the mantlepiece or even in the toolshed. If anyone has a piece of worked flint which they think has not been recorded, Dr. Jones would be very glad to hear about it and perhaps be allowed to see and photograph it for her records (Hastings 753266).
Museum Association members are reminded that it would be helpful if bookings for the party on 2 December could be made to Mrs. Owen as soon as possible.
5.
The little church at Rye Harbour, originally no more than a chapel, was-extended early this century by the then incumbent; it seems curiously prophetic that the roof structure of his new chancel so closely resembles the hull of an upturned boat. The skies were grey and a gale roared across the marsh on Sunday as the church filled to capacity for the annual Lifeboat Memorial Service. As well as lifeboatmen in their RNLI jerseys, there were contingents from the Sea Cadets, the British Legion, Red Cross and St. John, and of course many people from the village itself - older men and women who could all too clearly remember the 1928 disaster, comparative newcomers to whom Mary Stanford primarily means the new Council estate, and a beautifully behaved baby who had been brought to commemorate a family tragedy several generations before his day. The RNLI flag covered the altar, the seventeen names were read out and the traditional hymns sung; the RNLI Secretary, Humphrey Lestocq, read one lesson and the Mayor of Rye the other. Canon Maundrell took the service, and the collection of just over £50 was divided between the RNLI and the fund to maintain the lifeboat memorial in the churchyard.
The church contains a memorial tablet of black Manx stone, given by the people of the island where the RNLI began, with the names of the 17 crewmen of the Mary Stanford who died on that stormy November night 54 years ago. There are also two plaques listing the six lifeboats based at the Harbour from 1852 until November 1928, which between them saved 128 lives. In 1920 the Mary Stanford officiated at a plane crash in Rye Bay; another plane crash appears in the current report of the Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station covering the period from March to the end of October 1982. The report refers to 38 incidents: 17 of these were boats in trouble, one was the seaplane whose ignominious descent luckily involved no loss of life, and the remaining 20 were idiots incapable of seeing the dangers of using lilos or the equivalent as sea-going craft. Sadly one child was drowned - the two Londoners who helped on that occasion have just been given the Royal Humane Society's testimonial on vellum for their action - but RNLI HQ has awarded the Rye Harbour boat credit for nine "persons rescued" by its intervention from serious danger of drowning.
The Harbour boat has a total of two dozen people behind it: 14 crewmen, 6 launchers, the Secretary and his deputy and two medical officers. Crewmen have to leave the boat at the age of 50, but they can then continue as launchers if they wish. Cadets train to man the boat once they are sufficiently experienced, and three passed in during the year: Alan Vidler, Tony Edwards, and Andrew Tollett whose father Richard is also in the crew, a father and son serving together for the first time since 1928. Crewmen and launchers must either live or work at the Harbour; Humphrey Lestocq says it is in fact slightly more difficult to assemble a crew in working hours, as many of them work away from the Harbour. Out of working hours there is never any problem, and there would be no difficulty in finding crews for night calls - not at present undertaken as the existing boat is not suitable. However, the Station is now housing, on trial only, the "big sister" of its regular boat, twin-engined and equipped with lights and radio. If the RNLI considers the Harbour to be a suitable station - and it has to take into account not only crewing but also complications caused by shifting sandbanks, etc. - this larger boat would go out at night and also remain on service all the year round. It still only needs a crew of three; but if the Station does get it, it will mean that after nearly 55 years a full-time Rye Harbour lifeboat is back on the job, in the service of those who go down to the sea in ships as well as those who never intended to.
Footnote: who was Mary Stanford? GAZETTE enquiries have so far drawn a blank, and it would be interesting to know. Presumably she or her family presented the boat; do they, one wonders, realise that her name is commemorated annually more than half a century later?
Rye Branch of the RNLI is planning a mince pie-and-mulled-wine party on Friday, 3 December from 6 to 8 (admission fa? at the door) at Skinners' showroom at Bryans Corner. As well as being the hosts, Skinners are generously giving the wine, and RNLI cards and souvenirs will be on sale - ideal for Christmas shoppers running a bit late. Among the guests will be crew members of the Rye Harbour boat, and organiser Shelagh Fox hints darkly that they may be bringing with them something very interesting - though it would be nice to see them anyway. Some invitations are being sent, but if one doesn't come your way please don't think you are not welcome - and do bring your friends with you.
6.
Thursday, 25th Rye Lions charity shop, Red Cross Centre (also Friday)
Singalong (Cancer Relief), Community Centre, 7.30
Presentation (TPS) of music, dance and drama, St. Mary's 7.50
Friday, 26th Jazz evening, Thomas Peacocke Upper School, 7.30
National Trust AGM, Community Centre, 7.30
Natural History Soc. talk "Spring in Nepal" by Tony Marr, FEC 7.30
Papa Joe's film: "Fort Apache, the Bronx", Pizzeria, 9.0
Saturday, 27th Scouts and Cubs Christmas Fair, FEC, 10.30
Rye Church Missionary Association coffee morning, Red Cross, 10.30
Car treasure hunt (see GAZETTE no.11), Bedford car park, 6.30
Guide Dogs for the Blind, social, William the Conqueror, Iden, 8.0 Raft Race presentation to NSPCC, William the Conqueror, Rye Harbour, about 8.30 (excellent raffle, etc. - all supporters welcome)
Monday, 29th Friends of Freda Gardham School coffee morning, FG School, 10.30
WRVS lunch club.
We apologise - particularly to Dr. Vidler, who kindly pointed out our error – for stating last week that Edward VII reviewed the Rye Scouts in 1911; the occasion would have been interestingly spectral since that monarch died in 1910. "The King" referred to in the 1911 Scout records was of course George V - we were led astray by the Warrender connection and omitted to check our history book!
Congratulations to the organisers of the Cancer Relief Christmas Fair at the FE Centre on Wednesday, which raised £308 for this most useful charity.
The Christmas Exhibition at the Easton Rooms this year is a mixed one based on themes of Fairground, Funfair and Circus; it runs from 27 November to the end of the year, and is (as usual) open on Sunday afternoons as well as at normal times.
Are any of our readers skilled at making rag rugs? If so, says the National Trust newsletter, Ellen Terry's house at Smallhythe needs their help - write to Peter Miall, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent.
The Catholic Church Christmas Fair at the FE Centre on Saturday raised a very gratifying £500-plus for church funds.
National Trust members who went on the 1982 Bruges holiday met last week at Nor-thiam over wine and cheese, and enjoyed Alma Fabes's slides of their holiday, the Bateman's Flower Festival, and the 1981 visit to Rouen.
Does anyone know of a professional book-binder working locally? We have had an enquiry for help.
Greyfriars at Winchelsea are holding their Christmas Bazaar at the home on Saturday, 4 December, from 2 to 4; just as well that they have chosen the afternoon, since there are four events in Rye that morning!
For the first time Rye Camera Club acted as hosts for the annual event of the Colour Convention, which took place at the White Rock Pavilion on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pilcher entertained the judge, and members of the Club served light refreshments during the interval; Mr. George Delemare was projectionist for the 18 clubs taking part. Winners were Brighton and Pound Hill Clubs.
Advance notice - we shall be having a GAZETTE back-numbers photocopying session some time in January, for those who are short of odd copies; details in the 1983 subscription form which will be enclosed with your 15 December issue.
THE RYE GAZETTE is registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. It is published by Mrs. Mary Owen at 94 Udimore Road, Rye (Rye 2303), who is always glad to receive news items for inclusion. Normal deadline is Monday afternoon, though minor alterations can be made not later than 9.0 a.m. on Tuesday. The GAZETTE costs 20p a week and is normally delivered to subscribers on Wednesday.
Photocopied by Sussex Secretarial Services, 11 Claremont, Hastings (942 2633).