Conservation Society Christmas Party 2014

There was a good turnout for the Society's Christmas Party at Rye Town Hall on Friday 5 December.  We were delighted that Amber Rudd MP was able to attend, together with the Deputy Chairman of Rother District Council, Cllr Jimmy Carroll and his wife, and Berni Fiddimore, Mayor of Rye.  The Chairmen of Winchelsea and Northiam Conservation Societies were also present.




As usual, many thanks to Rae and Jen who provided the delicious refreshments and to Kyriacos whose wine-purchasing expertise was much appreciated.  Although all those there missed the presence of our late President, Sir Donald Sinden, we much enjoyed jokes and stories told by our Chairman, John Griffiths.  We wish all our members a very happy Christmas.

Sir Donald Sinden CBE

Sir Donald was appointed President of the Conservation Society on 21 April 1995.  He was a keen supporter, taking an interest in the work of the Society but without interference.

He was a regular attendee at Society Christmas gatherings at the Town Hall and at our annual garden parties. At Christmas parties he would step forward and use his strong and distinctive voice to call the winning numbers of the raffle, and to recount some of his many jokes, some quite risqué.  He was excellent company and a ready mixer.  At our Annual Lunch at The Mermaid Inn, his company and anecdotes made for many happy and memorable occasions.

Sir Donald will be sadly missed by Rye Conservation Society.

Conservation Society officers visit Lewes

Members of the Executive and Planning Committee made a return visit to Lewes on 1 September, hosted by the Friends of Lewes, following a visit from them in May last year.

We had a very interesting tour around the town, saw possible development areas, went to the Town Hall where we were given fascinating historical background by a former Mayor, and discussed issues of mutual concern over lunch at the John Harvey tavern.  We admired various plaques which Friends of Lewes, with financial support from the Council, had had erected on interesting sites and historic buildings.

It was a most enjoyable visit and we will continue to keep in touch with Friends of Lewes as many of the problems and challenges we face are the same.  Thank you, Robert and Marcus!

Kenneth Bird, Irene and Wayne Jones, Rae Festing, Margaret Bird, Robert, Marcus and colleague from Friends of Lewes, Helen and John Griffiths, Julian Luckett

2014 Garden Party

Rye Conservation Society's annual garden party struck lucky with the weather.  On Sunday 1 June the sun shone brightly all afternoon as members of the Society, curious Ryers and visitors to the town enjoyed the walled garden of Little Orchard House in West Street, thanks to the owners, Andy and Niki Stuart.

People had travelled from far and wide to come to the party. While a couple from Lewes fairly regularly visit Rye, another from Sarawak in Malaysia were on their first visit to the town.

As well as having a rare chance to view the garden and chat together, attendees enjoyed a lavish cream tea mostly produced by Jen Tomkinson with help from Rae Festing.

"We were delighted so many people came" said John Griffiths, Chairman of Rye Conservation Society "and they were rewarded with a lovely afternoon. The garden and the 'smugglers tower' looked a picture, the tallk was convivial and the cream tea was really beyond compare! The Society would like to thank Jen for making such a superb array of cakes and scones, and to Rae for all her hard work."  

The new Vice President of the Society, Kenneth Bird, and his wife Margaret attended as well as one of the Society’s founders, a former Mayor of Rye, Geraldine Bromley.

Annual General Meeting 2014 and Awards

The Society held its 42nd AGM on Friday 25 April at St Mary's Church Centre.  Some 50 members attended. All the Executive Committee members were re-elected with John Griffiths continuing as Chairman.

Kenneth Bird was made a Vice-President, joining Robert Bromley and Paul Blomfield. Members were saddened to know that our President, Sir Donald Sinden, was in hospital and could not attend either event, and they sent their good wishes to him.



The following awards were made at the meeting:

Townscape Award

2014

for a major contribution to the townscape of Rye

by the restoration and refurbishment of Norman House, West St, Rye

Presented to Drs Andrew and Liz Bamji

Andrew and Liz Bamji receive their award from Julian Luckett, Chair of the Planning Committee

Rye Conservation Society

2014

Special award for the sympathetic re-use of an existing building

14 Tower St, Rye

Presented to The Merchant & Mills Cloth Shop

Carolyn Denham of Merchant & Mills receives her award

At the conclusion of the meeting, Kenneth Bird updated members on the launch of the on-line Rye News, and invited contributors to come forward.  Mike Eve gave members a progress report on the Lion Street development.

The meeting was followed by the Annual Lunch held at The Mermaid Inn, much enjoyed by all who attended, excellent food and wonderful service from The Mermaid, many thanks!

Society's 2014 Annual General Meeting and Annual Lunch

The Society's AGM and Annual Lunch will be held on Friday 25 April, the Annual General Meeting at St Mary's Church Centre at 11.15am, and the Annual Lunch at The Mermaid Inn.

The Annual Report 2013, the calling letter for the AGM, lunch menu and reply form will be on their way to members within the next few days.  

Winchelsea Conservation Society outing, 27 April 2014

Winchelsea Conservation Society is organising a visit to the National Trust at White Cliffes, Dover, on 27 April.   This involves your own transport, optional lunch in their restaurant at 12pm then a 1.00pm introduction and, for those who wish, a guided tour into Langdon Hole, weather permitting, and at 2.20pm a tour of the South Foreland Lighthouse opened specially for this visit.  Finally a £4 / head Cream Tea will be available at their very popular NT Tearooms.

If you would like to attend please let Winchelsea Conservation Society Secretary, Andy Pemble, know on 01797 222714.