Rye Castle Museum

Women’s Tower Project

Since the launch of the Women’s Tower Project on 25th August,  those yellow forms for buying bricks, stones, castellations and other parts for the restoration of the Women’s Tower at the Ypres Castle have continued to come in.  Is yours among them?   Once the necessary repairs have been completed we hope to use this rare survival of a Women’s Tower to house displays showing the life of Rye’s women and children in the past.     

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Mayor Sam Souster and MP Michael Foster were among the guests at the launch .  

Brian Hargreaves had drawn a large picture of the Women’s Tower with numbered parts for sale.
Many guests took the opportunty to choose a brick, a stone, a castellation, a window or some other part of the Tower to buy as their share in restoring it.  When the work is done, with the help of English Heritage, it is planned to open the Tower  to the public with displays on the lives of women and children in Rye in times past.   One very special donation was that of Priscilla Ryan, in memory of the town’s much-loved John Ryan, creator of Captain Pugwash. 

Women's Tower

The challenge  of  raising  the £74,000 needed to restore the tower is an immense one, but the evening–a beautiful one enjoyed by many Ryers–got the project off to an encouraging start. 

 If you too would like to be part of this project and have not received a leaflet providing details and a form,  do visit either of the Rye Castle Museum sites or contact the Museum  (01797-226728 or info@ryemuseum.co)    You would have the satisfaction of knowing you had helped to save  a special building of our town so it can not only be used by  Ryers but also  provide yet another attraction for visitors

Captain Pugwash Treasure Hunt 

Captain Horatio Pugwash

There are new Captain Pugwash Treasure Hunts at both museum sites.  Have your children (or grandchildren) tried them?  Each month there is a draw from submissions with correct answers and a small prize is sent to the lucky winner. 

More on Captain Pugwash

There is a display case at East Street featuring Captain Pugwash too.  John Ryan, Captain Pugwash creator, lived in Rye for 20 years until his death in August.  His wife, artist Priscilla Blomfield Ryan, as well as his children, were all involved in the animated TV Captain Pugwash programmes, and thanks to them, the exhibition at East Street will shortly be expanded,

Save These Dates!

25-27 September

A travelling folk museum in miniature is coming to Rye for three days at the end of September!   Simon Costin, collector and curator, is bringing a part of his folklore collection in a converted Castleton caravan whch will be outside the Ypres Tower from Friday afternoon, 25th September 2-5 p.m. and from 10:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday,  26th and 27th Sepbember.  Entry is free, but donations are welcome.    The Ypres Tower and East Street Museums will  be open as usual.  

And that’s not all!   Simon will give a talk on Folklore and show a film by Doc Rowe at the East Street site on the Friday evening (25th September).  Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be  available on the door:  £2.00 for Rye Museum Association members, £3.50 for non-members.

Don’t forget to check the Talks Programme for the year so you get those dates in your diary!

Monday, 5th October:�
Volunteers Evening  

Our active Museum would not exist without its splendid team of volunteers who contribute in a very wide range of ways.    If you think you might like to become a volunteer  too, come along to the evening to find out what the possibiities are for you.  A good way to make new friends too!

Tuesday, 13h October:�
Geoff Hutchinson on Smugglers of Kent and Sussex  

Geoff is one of the Museum’s most popular speakers.    (He also recently became Rudyard Kipling for our Museum trip to Batemans.)  Come early to the East Street Museum for his 7:30 talk. It will be an informative and entertaining evening.

Saturday, 24th October:
Discovery Day

The theme is Smuggling and there will be lots of exciting activities for children and their parents (and grandparents).  Watch this space for details.

And in November and December

Two Craft Fairs,  the Christmas Grotto… Do you see why more volunteers are always welcome?