Our Latest Successes

We begin with good news: We are successfully through to the next state of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the Women and Children of Rye project which includes the restoration and refurbishment of the Women’s Tower!  Many thanks to all those who have contributed in any way to the work so far.  The next stage of this bid is now being prepared for submission in March 2012, along with other Grant applications to the Rother Community Fund and the Wealden and Rural Rother Partnership.

We are also delighted to learn we have been awarded £500 by the Rye Fund which is allowing us to update the methods of recording our collections of artifacts, documents and books.  Work on this proceeds apace under our Curator, Linden Thomas.

News Flash

Our Links list was growing so long we have just moved it to a separate page.  See Useful Links at right.  This time we’ve added brief descriptions  to give an idea of what you will find at each site and each place.

The Next Museum Events

We’ve just had a most enjoyable New Year party with scrumptious food provided by Rae Festing and splendid entertainment — another Mapp and Lucia sequel written by Dilys Mayor and performed by the  talented members of the Rye Shakespeare Company.

Now we look forward to these events:

Monday, 13th February,  East Street 2 p.m.
Children’s Half Term Activity Afternoon for under 10′s

This time the activities will include making monster skittles and planting cress heads.  Cost: 2.50 with an accompanying adult.  For photos of the happy participants in the last Children’s Activity Day click here.

Tuesday, 14th February. East Street 7:30 p.m.
Rebellious Rye – Corruption, Protest & Reform in the 19th Century by Peter Ewart

Peter is one of our most popular speakers.   This time he will recount the scarcely credible series of dramatic events in the ‘rotten borough’ of Rye before, during and after reform — which attracted the attention of the national press.  Exciting stuff!  Some of you will know Peter’s book A Poor Man’s Rye: the daily life of a local labouring family 1847-1930; if you don’t you can ask to see it at the Rye Library.  Members £2.00  Non-members £3.00  including refreshments.  All welcome.

Wednesday, 22nd February.  East Street 2 p.m. start
‘What is it?’   plus Afternoon Tea

By popular demand we are having another event where you can try to guess what objects are– and, if you like, bring a mystery item of your own.  Our first such afternoon, quite apart from the information gained, was so enjoyable and generated so much talk and social interaction across age, gender, occupation and other communication inhibitors,  we’re offering a similar opportunity again.   Do you have something to bring?  We’d like to see it.  No?  Do come anyway.  £2.00.

Tuesday. 13th March. Tudor Room, Mermaid Inn  7:30 p.m.  {NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE)
The History of Rye Cricket Club by Martin Blincow

A fascinating insight into Rye’s past via a favourite sport–complete with photos, memorabilia, slides . . . . . .

Tuesday, 3rd April, East Street 12 noon
Official 2012 opening  of the East Street site

MP Amber Rudd will be joining us for this occasion which also  includes food!.  Come get up-to-date with progress this past year and exciting plans for the future.

An Invitation from the Sussex Military History Society for
Saturday 26th May 2012 at Newhaven Fort 

Those of you interested in military history might be interested in attending the Sussex Military History Society’s Study Day on
26th May in Newhaven. The theme for the day is ‘Land, Air & Sea’ with all speakers giving expert illustrated lectures. For more information go to www.sussexmilitary.org.uk or contact Stewart Angell 07714923925.

Reminders

Are you caught up with recent Museum news, events and activities?  

Much has happened in the last months so check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  If you want to plan still further ahead click on Talks 2012 at right.

‘Winter was icumen in’ . . .  and it’s here!

. . . so just a reminder that we will be on winter hours at the Museum until March 31st.  Thus East Street is closed except for talks and special events, but Ypres Tower  continues to be open 7 days a week (weather permitting)–except for  24th and 25th December–though with an earlier closing time of 3:30 p.m., last admission 3:00 p.m.  Admission to the Tower remains  unchanged: adults £3.00, concessions £2.50,  children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

NB: The official opening of the Summer Season will take place on 3rd April (12 noon) at East Street.  Our MP, Amber Rudd, will be attending.

Publications and Souvenirs

The list of publications and souvenirs for sale at the Tower  has just been updated.  Click on the Publications page at right.  Alan Dickinson’s latest book Rye Through Time  is one of the titles recently added.   This is a most attractive and informative Then and Now collection,  one of its most welcome features being that all the Now photos are in colour.     Besides books, cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (Ypres Tower), WWII replicas, dolls and more.

Members generously responded to an appeal for more books for the second-hand bookstall recently for which many thanks — but regular sales mean we once again  need more. Though we are now closed for the winter we do have regular events during that period so if your bookshelves are too full . . . .

Rye Museum on Facebook

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

We are successfully through to the next state of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the Women and Children of Rye project which includes the restoration and refurbishment of the Women’s Tower!  Many thanks to all those who have contributed in any way to the work so far.  The next stage of this bid is now being prepared for submission in March 2012, along with other Grant applications to the Rother Community Fund and the Wealden and Rural Rother Partnership.

We are also delighted to learn we have been awarded £500 by the Rye Fund which is allowing us to update the methods of recording our collections of artifacts, documents and books.  Work on this proceeds apace under our Curator, Linden Thomas.

The Next Museum Event

Saturday,  7th January. East Street 7:30 p.m.
New Year’s Party

Tickets £8.00 to includea Rae Festing ‘Finger Buffet’ and the world premiere of a new production by the Rye Shakespeare Company.  To book return the form accompanying latest newsletter or contact Rye Castle Museum, 3 East Street, Rye, E. Sussex TN31 7JY, Tel 01797-226728 or email info@ryemuseum.co.uk

Coming Soon

Monday, 13th January.  East Street 2 p.m.
Children’s Craft Afternoon for under 10′s

Details to come.  Cost :2.50.  For photos of the happy participants in the last Children’s Activity Day click here.

Tuesday, 14th February. East Street 7:30 p.m.
Rebellious Rye in the 19th century by Peter Ewart

Peter is one of our most popular speakers.   This time he will recount the scarcely credible series of dramatic events in the ‘rotten borough’ of Rye before, during and after reform — which attracted the attention of the national press.  Exciting stuff!  Some of you will know Peter’s book A Poor Man’s Rye: the daily life of a local labouring family 1847-1930; if you don’t you can ask to see it at the Rye Library.

Wednesday, 22nd February.  East Street 2 p.m. start
‘What is it?’   and Afternoon Tea

By popular demand we are having another event where you can try to guess what objects are– and, if you like, bring a mystery item of your own.  Our first such afternoon, quite apart from the information gained, was so enjoyable and generated so much talk and social interaction across age, gender, occupation and other communication inhibitors,  we’re offering a similar opportunity again.   Do you have something to bring?  No?  Do come anyway.  £2.00.

Tuesday. 13th March. Tudor Room, Mermaid Inn  7:30 p.m.  {NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE)
The History of Rye Cricket Club by Martin Blincow

A fascinating insight into Rye’s past via a favourite sport–complete with photos, memorabilia, slides . . . . . .

Our Most Recent Events

Tuesday, 13th December
Toy Soliders by Chris Viner

Many people in Rye know that Chris Viner of  Soldiers of Rye has an international reputation and customers worldwide for his military miniatures and models.  Everyone who attended this talk now knows he is also a master storyteller who can teach while he entertains, and will have gone home not only knowing  more about an absorbing hobby but with a greater appreciation of the value of history and of teachers and grandparents who inspire and of staying young by nourishing ‘the child within’.   It was a presentation with ‘something for everyone’  (and his  stories about models of real people–military relatives and friends– led immedidately to at least one new customer!)  Thank you Chris!

10th December East Street Museum
Santa’s Christmas Grotto

Yet another truly successful event, following the parade of reindeer (real ones)  pulling Santa, Scottish bagpipers, costumed characters and a long procession of followers many carrying giant balloons–not to mention a firework display from the 11 High Street garden.  A queue of families then grew til it reached the Apothecary  Coffee House corner of the High Street.  Over 300 visitors (children and assorted older relatives)  waited their turns to visit Santa in his Rye Museum Grotto.  but bubble and snow machines, books, fruit juice and a wonderful atmosphere of good cheer kept everyone happy outside while inside there was Mrs Santa to help Santa hand out the  presents,  and a face painter, and  mulled wine and mince pies for the grownups.  If you haven’t attended a Christmas Festival in Rye, be sure to come next year!

Saturday, 26th  November
Christmas Craft Fair

What a success this was!  Some 330 people (including Mayor John Breeds) flocked to East Street to see (and buy) Christmas cards and decorations and all kinds of lovingly produced gift items — jewelry, scarves, hats and bags, jam, pictures . . . . far too many varieties of gift to list.  One stallholder expressed the wish we’ll have another fair soon–a tribute to organiser Pat Greenough and team as well as Dilys Mayor, Lucy and others who decorated the museum so expertly.  Not least of the attractions on a cold afternoon was the mulled wine served up by James Davidson (along with info on our 1745 fire engine for the curious)  and the coffee, mince pies and cake provided by a succession of volunteers.

More books left our shelves too which means we need replacements.  Contributions welcome!

A Reminder

‘Winter was icumen in’ . . .  and it’s here!

. . . so just a reminder that we will be on winter hours at the Museum until March 31st.  Thus East Street is closed except for talks and special events, but Ypres Tower  continues to be open 7 days a week (weather permitting)–except for  24th and 25th December–though with an earlier closing time of 3:30 p.m., last admission 3:00 p.m.  Admission to the Tower remains  unchanged: adults £3.00, concessions £2.50,  children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Other News

Rye Coastal Heritage Project:  A Heritage Lottery Fund/Rye Partnership venture

A report on this Rye and Rye Harbour project whose celebration event and exhibition was announced in the last post is coming.

Family history on the Rye & District Royal British Legion site

We’ve added at link to this site at right because it includes information on those in this area who have served in the armed forces–and alas, sometimes not returned.

A Reminder of What You’ve Heard or Seen/ A Glimpse of What You’ve Missed

Did you see us on TV? 

Stalwart Museum supporter Priscilla Ryan made a TV appearance  this past week in a feature on the Rye Art Gallery’s John Ryan  retrospective curated by daughter Isabel.  Don’t miss this splendid exhibition of  John’s wide-ranging TV and book output.  And if you haven’t seen the Museum’s Captain Pugwash display make sure you come to see that when East Street re-opens in the spring.

Earlier, the Ypres Tower featured on the ‘Yesterday’ TV channel  programme ‘Great British Ghosts’ when presenter Michaela Strachan  discussed with our guide Ted Emson the paranormal activity  reported at the Tower over the past few years. The Rye Heritage  Centre run regular Ghost Tours around Rye which include a visit to   the Ypres Tower (see the link to their website) or you can visit  during our open hours and make up your own mind about who might be  occupying the castle today.

Popular Recent Events

Tuesday, 8th November:  Towers and Spires of Romney Marsh Churches by Alan Dickinson. A packed audience came to hear Alan tell about a recent research project to study 27 of the centuries-old bell towers and spires which are such a feature of the Romney Marsh area.  The work was accomplished via snow and ice and ladders of uncertain age but with the aid of modern technology such as dendrochronology.   Lightning strikes and Victorian enthusiasms notwithstanding, Alan’s then and now photos and drawings proved how remarkably well ancient materials and structures have survived the years.    We will all look more carefully and knowledgeably at the churches we pass on the Marsh in future–and perhaps seek out those not visited before.  Alan’s latest book, Rye Through Time was available–and sold out!

The half-term Children’s Activity afternoon saw plenty of children, parents and Museum volunteers dressing peg dolls and decorating plant pots at East Street.   Click here to see how much they enjoyed themselves.  Thanks to all who helped to make this such a happy afternoon at the Museum.

Wednesday, 2nd November  Show and Tell for Adults

Instead of the usual Coffee Morning in November there was a mid-week afternoon session for seeing interesting items owned by the Museum  and more brought by some of those who attended.  What a delightful afternoon this proved to be!  Our Curator Linden Thomas showed several seldom-seen items from the Museum collection including a 17th century book, Survey of Kent, which had (just) survived the Great Fire of London and was sent to Rye for safer keeping of the damaged remains.   Those who came brought intriquing items from their home:  early maps of our area — when Rye was a small island,  kitchen and tea objects inherited from Rye ancestors,  and Priscilla Ryan brought a curious open-and-close item noone could identify though there were many surmises.  It was all such good fun and generated so much discussion we’ve decided to do this again!

Recent Talks and New Exhibits

Click here for summaries of our most recent talks.  As for new exhibits:

One recent addition to the Ypres Tower displays is on Sir Reginald Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice.  Copies of  the cross may be seen in many British, Commonwealth and European cemeteries where there are WWI graves.  You can find out more about it — and other of his many works here or under Notable People at right.

Currently there is also a display in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Ryesingers who have regularly supported the Museum.   They have recently given another lovely concert in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.   Our Museum chairman was one of the founder members.  You can find out more about the Ryesingers by clicking here,  Their next concert, this time for the Friends of St Mary’s, is “Come to the Fair” and will be held at Rye Church, on Saturday 29th October at 7.30 pm.

Rye’s Military heritage

And have you seen the smart uniforms on display on the first floor?   A new display case you can walk around means you can see what Rye Volunteers wore in the period 1794 – 1803 and later.  During the American and French Revolutions many volunteer corps were raised and put on Army pay, providing a useful source of trained officers and men to strengthen the military when England was under threat.  This was the Prime Minister William Pitt’s initiative and local men became Volunteers even though the Cinque Ports were  exempt.  It was James Lamb of the ruling Rye family who raised the lst Volunteer Infantry Company and one uniform on display, brass buttons and buckles and embroidered epaulettes and all,  belonged to his nephew, Thomas David Lamb who rose through the ranks of Fencibles to take command of the 3rd Battalion.  Another was worn by 2nd Lt John Amon.  There are decorated swords and sheaths as well.

At one of the cells you can also learn about the Lancers, founded in  during the  first Jacobite Rebellion and developing through the centuries to become the Light Dragoons,  the Queen’s Royal Lancers and then the 9/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales) in 1960.  The uniform here with pill box hat and gauntlers) belonged to Sergeant T W Wilkes, a swordsman and marksman with the Queen’s Royal Lancers who fought in the Boer War and was later stationed in India. Thanks to Dilys Mayor for putting this together.

Ryesingers 40th Anniversary

Also currently on display is a collection of posters drawn from the 40 years the Ryesingers have been performing.   They have been loyal supporters of the Rye Museum.  Find out more about them here.

Buddhist Wedding at the Tower

You have already have seen the photos of a Saxon wedding  at the Ypres Tower.   Now there has been a Buddhist wedding!  Click here for the story and photos.

OTHER NEWS

The Way Ahead Committee

At a special Members Only meeting on 6th September, Shane Redmond, the Director who chairs our Way Ahead Committee and Treasurer Jeremy Huddle outlined the results of extensive consultations and investigations during the past year.  Plans for the future of the Museum  are exciting.    They involve a brilliantly designed glass-roofed multi-use enclosure where the medieval garden at Ypres Tower is now,  allowing efficient display of artifacts as well as space for meetings and coffee mornings.  The medieval garden would be re-created on the present front lawn of the museum.   If all proceeds as hoped — such as a successful sale of East Street –  this will not only mean a more convenient one-site stop for visitors but more efficient use of our volunteers — and, not least,  great financial savings/a better income too.  Watch this space!

Tower Project Fund

Thanks  to all who have been working to raise funds for the restoration of the Women’s Tower!   There has been  progress on the grant front:  more news to come.

Recent contributions have come from Paul McCartney who donated a CD set sold at auction,  the Ryesingers who gave us another concert, professional musician alumni of Rye C9llege who presented an excellent concert on our behalf (for details click here), Year 9 students of Rye College who offered a short play (The visit of King George I), a collection of stories as well as baked goods and games on  9th July;  the Mermaid Inn;  Rae Festing who lent her lovely garden on 30th July for a most successful Coffee Morning which raised over £500 (after expenses) ,  members and friends who have  bought stones  or windows for the restored tower,  and those who have helped with income generating garden group visits, paranormal society visits and ghost walks.

Thanks too to those who have  filled jars with 20p pieces.   Depending on jar size these yield between £25 and £50 per jar! If you too could fill a jar or buy a/another stone we would be that much closer to our goal of £100,000!

Publications and Souvenirs

Alan Dickinson’s latest book Rye Through Time  is out and will soon be available at the Tower.   This is a most attractive and informative Then and Now collection,  one of its most welcome features being that all the Now photos are in colour.   Click on Publications at right for the other titles in our growing list.   Besides books, cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower), WWII replicas, dolls and more.

Members generously responded to an appeal for more books for the bookstall recently for which many thanks — but regular sales mean we once again  need more. Though we will soon be closed for the winter we do have regular events during that period so if your bookshelves are too full . . . .

News from another East Sussex Museum

Have you been to the Martello Tower (aka Seaford Museum) in Seaford?   After many months of work, its Radio Room will re=open on Saturday, 3rd December.  A link to this museum has been added at right.

Rye Museum on Facebook

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? new Directors?  additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there too.

What a success this was!  Some 330 people (including Mayor John Breeds) flocked to East Street to see (and buy) Christmas cards and decorations and all kinds of lovingly produced gift items — jewelry, scarves, hats and bags, jam, pictures . . . . far too many varieties of gift to list.  One stallholder expressed the wish we’ll have another fair soon–a tribute to organiser Pat Greenough and team as well as Dilys Mayor, Lucy and others who decorated the museum so expertly.  Not least of the attractions on a cold afternoon was the mulled wine served up by James Davidson (along with info on our 1745 fire engine for the curious)  and the coffee, mince pies and cake provided by a succession of volunteers.

More books left our shelves too which means we need replacements.  Contributions welcome!

‘Winter is icumen in’ . . . 

. . . and that means we are now on winter hours at the Museum (until March 31st).  Thus East Street is closed except for talks and special events, but Ypres Tower will continue to be open 7 days a week (weather permitting),  though with an earlier closing time of 3:30 p.m., last admission 3:00 p.m. .    Admission to the Tower remains  unchanged: adults £3.00, concessions £2.50,  children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Are These Dates In Your Diary?

Saturday, 10th December 5:30 p.m.  East Street
Christmas Grotto with Father Christmas

This annual event attracts a large crowd of children (and their parents and grandparents) who make their way through bubbles and snow to visit Santa’s grotto for a chat and a present.

Tuesday, 13th December 7:30  East Street
Toy Soliders by Chris Viner

Chris, of Soldiers of Rye will tell us of his journeys through history with Military Miniatures and other collectables.

Admission is £2.00 for members and £3.00 for non-members, to include light refreshments.

A REMINDER OF WHAT YOU’VE HEARD or SEEN/ A GLIMPSE OF WHAT YOU’VE MISSED

Did you see us on TV? 

Stalwart Museum supporter Priscilla Ryan made a TV appearance  this past week in a feature on the Rye Art Gallery’s John Ryan  retrospective curated by daughter Isabel.  Don’t miss this splendid exhibition of  John’s wide-ranging TV and book output.  And if you haven’t seen the Museum’s Captain Pugwash display make sure you come to see that when East Street re-opens in the spring.

Earlier, the Ypres Tower featured on the ‘Yesterday’ TV channel  programme ‘Great British Ghosts’ when presenter Michaela Strachan  discussed with our guide Ted Emson the paranormal activity  reported at the Tower over the past few years. The Rye Heritage  Centre run regular Ghost Tours around Rye which include a visit to   the Ypres Tower (see the link to their website) or you can visit  during our open hours and make up your own mind about who might be  occupying the castle today.

Popular Recent Events

Tuesday, 8th November:  Towers and Spires of Romney Marsh Churches by Alan Dickinson. A packed audience came to hear Alan tell about a recent research project to study 27 of the centuries-old bell towers and spires which are such a feature of the Romney Marsh area.  The work was accomplished via snow and ice and ladders of uncertain age but with the aid of modern technology such as dendrochronology.   Lightning strikes and Victorian enthusiasms notwithstanding, Alan’s then and now photos and drawings proved how remarkably well ancient materials and structures have survived the years.    We will all look more carefully and knowledgeably at the churches we pass on the Marsh in future–and perhaps seek out those not visited before.  Alan’s latest book, Rye Through Time was available–and sold out!

The half-term Children’s Activity afternoon saw plenty of children, parents and Museum volunteers dressing peg dolls and decorating plant pots at East Street.   Click here to see how much they enjoyed themselves.  Thanks to all who helped to make this such a happy afternoon at the Museum.
Wednesday, 2nd November  Show and Tell for Adults

Instead of the usual Coffee Morning in November there was a mid-week afternoon session for seeing interesting items owned by the Museum  and more brought by some of those who attended.  What a delightful afternoon this proved to be!  Our Curator Linden Thomas showed several seldom-seen items from the Museum collection including a 17th century book, Survey of Kent, which had (just) survived the Great Fire of London and was sent to Rye for safer keeping of the damaged remains.   Those who came brought intriquing items from their home:  early maps of our area — when Rye was a small island,  kitchen and tea objects inherited from Rye ancestors,  and Priscilla Ryan brought a curious open-and-close item noone could identify though there were many surmises.  It was all such good fun and generated so much discussion we’ve decided to do this again!

Recent Talks and New Exhibits

Click here for summaries of our most recent talks.  As for new exhibits:

One recent addition to the Ypres Tower displays is on Sir Reginald Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice.  Copies of  the cross may be seen in many British, Commonwealth and European cemeteries where there are WWI graves.  You can find out more about it — and other of his many works here or under Notable People at right.

Currently there is also a display in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Ryesingers who have regularly supported the Museum.   They have recently given another lovely concert in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.   Our Museum chairman was one of the founder members.  You can find out more about the Ryesingers by clicking here,  Their next concert, this time for the Friends of St Mary’s, is “Come to the Fair” and will be held at Rye Church, on Saturday 29th October at 7.30 pm.

Rye’s Military heritage

And have you seen the smart uniforms on display on the first floor?   A new display case you can walk around means you can see what Rye Volunteers wore in the period 1794 – 1803 and later.  During the American and French Revolutions many volunteer corps were raised and put on Army pay, providing a useful source of trained officers and men to strengthen the military when England was under threat.  This was the Prime Minister William Pitt’s initiative and local men became Volunteers even though the Cinque Ports were  exempt.  It was James Lamb of the ruling Rye family who raised the lst Volunteer Infantry Company and one uniform on display, brass buttons and buckles and embroidered epaulettes and all,  belonged to his nephew, Thomas David Lamb who rose through the ranks of Fencibles to take command of the 3rd Battalion.  Another was worn by 2nd Lt John Amon.  There are decorated swords and sheaths as well.

At one of the cells you can also learn about the Lancers, founded in  during the  first Jacobite Rebellion and developing through the centuries to become the Light Dragoons,  the Queen’s Royal Lancers and then the 9/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales) in 1960.  The uniform here with pill box hat and gauntlers) belonged to Sergeant T W Wilkes, a swordsman and marksman with the Queen’s Royal Lancers who fought in the Boer War and was later stationed in India. Thanks to Dilys Mayor for putting this together.

Ryesingers 40th Anniversary

Also currently on display is a collection of posters drawn from the 40 years the Ryesingers have been performing.   They have been loyal supporters of the Rye Museum.  Find out more about them here.

Buddhist Wedding at the Tower

You have already have seen the photos of a Saxon wedding  at the Ypres Tower.   Now there has been a Buddhist wedding!  Click here for the story and photos.

OTHER NEWS

The Way Ahead Committee

At a special Members Only meeting on 6th September, Shane Redmond, the Director who chairs our Way Ahead Committee and Treasurer Jeremy Huddle outlined the results of extensive consultations and investigations during the past year.  Plans for the future of the Museum  are exciting.    They involve a brilliantly designed glass-roofed multi-use enclosure where the medieval garden at Ypres Tower is now,  allowing efficient display of artifacts as well as space for meetings and coffee mornings.  The medieval garden would be re-created on the present front lawn of the museum.   If all proceeds as hoped — such as a successful sale of East Street –  this will not only mean a more convenient one-site stop for visitors but more efficient use of our volunteers — and, not least,  great financial savings/a better income too.  Watch this space!

Tower Project Fund

Thanks  to all who have been working to raise funds for the restoration of the Women’s Tower!   There has been  progress on the grant front:  more news to come.

Recent contributions have come from Paul McCartney who donated a CD set sold at auction,  the Ryesingers who gave us another concert, professional musician alumni of Rye C9llege who presented an excellent concert on our behalf (for details click here), Year 9 students of Rye College who offered a short play (The visit of King George I), a collection of stories as well as baked goods and games on  9th July;  the Mermaid Inn;  Rae Festing who lent her lovely garden on 30th July for a most successful Coffee Morning which raised over £500 (after expenses) ,  members and friends who have  bought stones  or windows for the restored tower,  and those who have helped with income generating garden group visits, paranormal society visits and ghost walks.

Thanks too to those who have  filled jars with 20p pieces.   Depending on jar size these yield between £25 and £50 per jar! If you too could fill a jar or buy a/another stone we would be that much closer to our goal of £100,000!

Publications and Souvenirs

Alan Dickinson’s latest book Rye Through Time  is out and will soon be available at the Tower.   This is a most attractive and informative Then and Now collection,  one of its most welcome features being that all the Now photos are in colour.   Click on Publications at right for the other titles in our growing list.   Besides books, cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower), WWII replicas, dolls and more.

Members generously responded to an appeal for more books for the bookstall recently for which many thanks — but regular sales mean we once again  need more. Though we will soon be closed for the winter we do have regular events during that period so if your bookshelves are too full . . . .

News from another East Sussex Museum

Have you been to the Martello Tower (aka Seaford Museum) in Seaford?   After many months of work, its Radio Room will re=open on Saturday, 3rd December.  A link to this museum has been added at right.

Rye Museum on Facebook

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? new Directors?  additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there too.

Mid October update

‘Winter is icumen in’ . . .  

. . . and that means winter hours at the Museum will apply from November 1st to March 31st.  Thus East Street will be closed, but Ypres Tower will continue to be open 7 days a week (weather permitting),  though with an earlier closing time of 3:30 p.m., last admission 3:00 p.m. .    Admission to the Tower remains  unchanged: adults £3.00, concessions £2.50,  children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult

Be sure to click on Events (and Photos) at right for the newest posts.

PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE!

Tuesday, 25th October,  2 – 4 pm,  East Street
Half-Term Children’s Activity Afternoon

Heather Stevenson has planned a fun-filled afternoon of  crafts and activities at the Museum for the younger set (ages 4-10) — and theirparents/grandparents/aunts or uncles/other minders.  Cost is £2.50 per accompanied child.

Your youngsters can  make peg dolls, plant bulbs,  make a decoupage plant pot cover . . . . while learning about the  history of some  favourite nursery rhymes – linked to medieval garden, Tudor and Victorian times.

What about decorating a costume for Mary Tudor with buttons and sequins to depict her as  ‘Mary Mary quite contrary’?  Or giving Wee Willie Winkie a nightshirt?  (Did you know he was the forerunner of the Town Crier?}
 Or would they rather plant spring bulbs in a container and make a plant  pot cover by recycling old magazine pictures and pots — using PVA glue?    Recommended: wearing old clothes or bringing an old shirt..

There will be items to take away – then maybe the peg dolls could be used for a puppet  show with friends or the    planted pot and cover given to Mummy or Grandma.

Museum volunteers will be on hand to guide on the craft work.

Friday, 28th October, 9 p.m.
BBC programme on Great British Ghosts

The team preparing this programme came to Rye recently and recorded Michaela Strachan talking to our Guide Extraordinaire, Ted Emson, about paranormal activity in the Tower.  (We have had several groups willing to pay a fee to investigate this: our money-raising spirits?)   The team also visited the Mermaid Inn.  As you probably know the Rye Heritage Centre  regularly runs Ghost Tours.  We have no idea how much of the programme will feature Rye but you might want to watch.

Wednesday, 2nd November  2:00 pm,  East Street
Show and Tell for Adults

Instead of the usual Coffee Morning in November there will be a mid-week afternoon session for seeing interesting items brought by some of those who come– and hearing the stories behind them.  There will be cake and tea too.  Bring an item to show!

Tuesday, 8th November 7:30 p.m. East Street
Romney Marsh Spires by Alan Dickinson

Alan knows the buildings of Rye and the surrounding area extremely well as his books on the area attest.  He is also one of the Rye Museum directors with particular  concern for our buildings.  Besides the excellent just-published book on Rye Through Time he has been conducting further research on the Romney Marsh churches and this is what he will be telling us about this evening.

Members £2.00   Non-Members £3.00.  There will be refreshments and a raffle.

Saturday, 26th November 10 am – 4 pm
Christmas Craft Fair

A great source of Christmas gifts and decorations.  Watch for details.

A REMINDER OF WHAT YOU’VE HEARD or SEEN/ A GLIMPSE OF WHAT YOU’VE MISSED

Click here for summaries of our most recent talks.  As for new exhibits:

One recent addition to the Ypres Tower displays is on Sir Reginald Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice.  Copies of  the cross may be seen in many British, Commonwealth and European cemeteries where there are WWI graves.  You can find out more about it — and other of his many works here  or under Notable People at right.

Currently there is also a display in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Ryesingers who have regularly supported the Museum.   They have recently given another lovely concert in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.   Our Museum chairman was one of the founder members.  You can find out more about the Ryesingers by clicking here,  Their next concert, this time for the Friends of St Mary’s, is “Come to the Fair” and will be held at Rye Church, on Saturday 29th October at 7.30 pm.

Rye’s Military heritage

And have you seen the smart uniforms on display on the first floor?   A new display case you can walk around means you can see what Rye Volunteers wore in the period 1794 – 1803 and later.  During the American and French Revolutions many volunteer corps were raised and put on Army pay, providing a useful source of trained officers and men to strengthen the military when England was under threat.  This was the Prime Minister William Pitt’s initiative and local men became Volunteers even though the Cinque Ports were  exempt.  It was James Lamb of the ruling Rye family who raised the lst Volunteer Infantry Company and one uniform on display, brass buttons and buckles and embroidered epaulettes and all,  belonged to his nephew, Thomas David Lamb who rose through the ranks of Fencibles to take command of the 3rd Battalion.  Another was worn by 2nd Lt John Amon.  There are decorated swords and sheaths as well.

At one of the cells you can also learn about the Lancers, founded in  during the  first Jacobite Rebellion and developing through the centuries to become the Light Dragoons,  the Queen’s Royal Lancers and then the 9/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales) in 1960.  The uniform here with pill box hat and gauntlers) belonged to Sergeant T W Wilkes, a swordsman and marksman with the Queen’s Royal Lancers who fought in the Boer War and was later stationed in India. Thanks to Dilys Mayor for putting this together.

Ryesingers 40th Anniversary

Also currently on display is a collection of posters drawn from the 40 years the Ryesingers have been performing.   They have been loyal supporters of the Rye Museum.  Find out more about them here.

Buddhist Wedding at the Tower

You have already have seen the photos of a Saxon wedding  at the Ypres Tower.   Now there has been a Buddhist wedding!  Click here for the story and photos.

OTHER NEWS

The Way Ahead Committee

At a special Members Only meeting on 6th September, Shane Redmond, the Director who chairs our Way Ahead Committee and Treasurer Jeremy Huddle outlined the results of extensive consultations and investigations during the past year.  Plans for the future of the Museum  are exciting.    They involve a brilliantly designed glass-roofed multi-use enclosure where the medieval garden at Ypres Tower is now,  allowing efficient display of artifacts as well as space for meetings and coffee mornings.  The medieval garden would be re-created on the present front lawn of the museum.   If all proceeds as hoped — such as a successful sale of East Street —  this will not only mean a more convenient one-site stop for visitors but more efficient use of our volunteers — and, not least,  great financial savings/a better income too.  Watch this space!

Tower Project Fund

Thanks  to all who have been working to raise funds for the restoration of the Women’s Tower!   There has been  progress on the grant front:  more news to come.

Recent contributions have come from Paul McCartney who donated a CD set sold at auction,  the Ryesingers who gave us another concert, professional musician alumni of Rye C9llege who presented an excellent concert on our behalf (for details click here), Year 9 students of Rye College who offered a short play (The visit of King George I), a collection of stories as well as baked goods and games on  9th July;  the Mermaid Inn;  Rae Festing who lent her lovely garden on 30th July for a most successful Coffee Morning which raised over £500 (after expenses) ,  members and friends who have  bought stones  or windows for the restored tower,  and those who have helped with income generating garden group visits, paranormal society visits and ghost walks.

Thanks too to those who have  filled jars with 20p pieces.   Depending on jar size these yield between £25 and £50 per jar! If you too could fill a jar or buy a/another stone we would be that much closer to our goal of £100,000!

Publications and Souvenirs

Alan Dickinson’s latest book Rye Through Time  is out and will soon be available at the Tower.   This is a most attractive and informative Then and Now collection,  one of its most welcome features being that all the Now photos are in colour.   Click on Publications  at right for the other titles in our growing list.   Besides books, cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower), WWII replicas, dolls and more.

Members generously responded to an appeal for more books for the bookstall recently for which many thanks — but regular sales mean we once again  need more. Though we will soon be closed for the winter we do have regular events during that period so if your bookshelves are too full . . . .

Rye Museum on Facebook

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? new Directors?  additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there too.

News Flashes

PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE!

Friday 30th September, East Street 7:30 p.m.
Donna Bilak:   Personalities of 17th Century Rye
(Lecture 3 in her series in aid of the Women’s Tower Project)

Donna  Bilak of the Bard Graduate Centre in New York has used our sources for much of her research on Samuel Jeake, John Allen, Philip Firth and other  personalities of Rye in the 1600s — and has already come twice to share her findings with us.  She has been invited to Cambridge to give a  conference paper at the end of September and once again has offered to return to Rye for a special evening in aid of the Women’s Tower project.  Anyone who has attended either or both of her previous talks an vouch for her ability to share her enthusiasm in a most stimulating way.  Watch for further details.

Talks 2011 – 2012 

The complete Talks list from now through July 2012 is now available.  Just click on Talks at right.
LOOKING AHEAD: More Dates for your Diary 

Saturday, 8th October m, East Street
Coffee Morning

Help us promote the Museum by bringing your friends for cake and coffee or tea and some socializing.

Tuesday, 25th October,  2 – 4 pm,  East Street
Half-Term Children’s Activity Afternoon

Heather Stevenson has planned a fun-filled afternoon of  crafts and activities at the Museum for the younger set (ages 4-10) — and their parents/grandparents/aunts or uncles/other minders.  Cost is £3 per accompanied child.

Your youngsters can  make peg dolls, plant bulbs,  make a decoupage plant pot cover . . . . while learning about the  history of some  favourite nursery rhymes – linked to medieval garden, Tudor and Victorian times.   What about decorating a costume for Mary Tudor with buttons and sequins to depict her as  ‘Mary Mary quite contrary’?  Or giving Wee Willie Winkie a nightshirt?  (Did you know he was the forerunner of the Town Crier?}

Or would they rather plant spring bulbs in a container and make a plant pot cover by recycling old magazine pictures and pots — using PVA glue?   Recommended: wearing old clothes or bringing an old shirt..

There will be items to take away – then maybe the peg dolls could be used for a puppet show with friends or the planted pot and cover given to Mom or Grandma.

Museum volunteers will be on hand to guide on the craft work.

 
Wednesday, 2nd November  2:00 pm,  East Street
Show and Tell for Adults

Instead of the usual Coffee Morning in November there will be a mid-week afternoon session for seeing interesting items brought by some of those who come– and hearing the stories behind them.  There will be cake and tea too.  More details coming.

MORE NEWS

The Way Ahead Committee

At a special Members Only meeting on 6th September, Shane Redmond, the Director who chairs our Way Ahead Committee and Treasurer Jeremy Huddle outlined the results of extensive consultations and investigations during the past year.  Plans for the future of the Museum  are exciting.    Watch this space!

Collection and Exhibit News

Our Conservator/Curator Linden Thomas has made great strides this year in the enormous collection audit job of checking and ensuring professional standard  documentation of our collection and will soon be applying the same careful attention to archive materials.

Last month’s news described the Cross of Sacrifice sword display donated by Priscilla Ryan, granddaughter of Sir Reginald Blomfield.  There are now two further exhibitions at the Tower.  Two uniform coatees from the Rye Volunteers (early 19th century) are on display in a newly acquired  exhibition case with more items to come.  And thanks to Dilys Mayor there is also a new exhibition featuring the Lancers in a first floor cell.

Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? new Directors?  additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there too.

Rye Museum on Facebook

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

Rye Museum on the BBC

And did you know the BBC has recently been here to film our Ypres Tower for a programme on Great British Ghosts to be shown in October?

Special reduced prices continue

Joint admission to both our sites (Ypres Tower and East Street) was reduced during the summer to only £4.00 (Concessions £3.00) while admission to the East Street site was reduced to only £1.50 and these reductions will continue through October.  Admission to the Ypres Tower is £3.00 (Concessions £2.50)).  The Ypres Tower continues to be open daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:30.  3 East Street  is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm with  last admission at 4:30.

For more details — group bookings and what to see at each site — click on Museum Sites at right.

Tower Project Fund

Thanks  to all who have been working to raise funds for the restoration of the Women’s Tower!  Recent contributions have come from Paul McCartney who donated a CD set sold at auction,  professional musician alumni of Rye C9llege who presented an excellent concert on our behalf (for details click here), Year 9 students of Rye College who offered a short play (The visit of King George I), a collection of stories as well as baked goods and games on  9th July;  the Mermaid Inn;  Rae Festing who lent her lovely garden on 30th July for a most successful Coffee Morning which raised over £500 (after expenses) ,  members and friends who have  bought stones  or windows for the restored tower,  and those who have helped with income generating garden group visits, paranormal society visits and ghost walks.

Thanks too to those who have  filled jars with 20p pieces.   Depending on jar size these yield between £25 and £50 per jar! If you too could fill a jar or buy a/another stone we would be that much closer to our goal of £100,000!

Thanks to all the book donors!

In July News  we asked for more books to fill the gaps on our shelves.  Many thanks to all those who have given so generously.  We continue to sell regularly during the weekends and events at East Street which means we always welcome donations of good quality fiction and non-fiction — and there are always new titles for our regulars to browse and buy too.

Publications and Souvenirs

Click on Publications  at right for recent additions.  Besides books,cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower, WWII replicas, dolls and more.

News Flashes

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

And did you know the BBC has recently been here to film our Ypres Tower for a programme on Great British Ghosts to be shown in October?

Members’ Drinks Party at Ypres Tower 5th August -- and what so see at the Tower

Our wonderful Tower guides  led by Toby Mayor, Ted Emson and James Davidson hosted a party for members in the Medieval Garden on Friday evening. Lots of us attended, including Rye Mayor John Breeds, to enjoy the garden which is attracting favourable attention from gardening groups and the general public these days.  Garden advisor Lin Saines’ attractive new booklet The Garden Beyond the Tower: the medieval garden and stillroom . . . illustrated by Brian and Joyce Hargreaves, was on sale (price £3.00).  [Click on the thumbnails the better to see.]

Guests were also able to view new and recently added exhibits, in particular the Cross of Sacrifice display donated by Priscilla Ryan and Paul Blomfield.  The Cross was designed by their grandfather, Sir Reginald Blomfield (1856-1942) , for the Imperial War Graves Commission and is present in most Commonwealth war cemeteries around the world.  There is one in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church.

The cross  represents the faith of the majority of the dead and the sword represents the military character of the cemetery. Sir Reginald was a prolific British architect, garden designer and author of the Victorian and Edwardian period. In 1886 he married the daughter of Henry Burra of Rye where he designed several houses, including his own on Point Hill, Playden.   One he let to the American novelist Henry James.

Pre-war projects included the building or renovation of country great houses (e.g. Chequers), university buildings (e.g.Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford) amd commercial and  buildings (e.g. completion of the Quadrant in Regents Street, London). After the war he designed a large number of war memorials including the Menin Gate at Ypres, perhaps his best-known.   For more details see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_Blomfield

Have you seen the  other recent additions at the Tower ?

They include the History of Ypres Tower embroidery (a group effort over 4 years encapsulating 700 years of Rye history!),  the Still Room featuring medieval herbs and their uses — on display shelves made by Martin Riddell using medieval tools and methods,  and a small Chapel in the cellar, with a cross also designed by Martin Riddell.  The cellar has been renovated and there are new activities for children so if you have not visited the Tower recently, it is time to do so!

Did you know that thanks to the Tower guides team and the fact that the Ypres Tower site is now open every day throughout the day visitor numbers (and income) have increased by a whopping 70% this year! A real cause for a celebration party!

If you are not yet a member, why not join so you won’t miss out on our many activities?    Click here to find out how.  And member or not why not also click on Museum Sites at right where you will find new photos taken at the Tower by Clive Sawyer.

Special reduced prices

Note that joint admission to both our sites (Ypres Tower and East Street) is now only £4.00 (Concessions £3.00) while admission to the East Street site is now only £1.50.  Admission to the Ypres Tower is £3.00 (Concessions £2.50)).  The Ypres Tower continues to be open daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:30.  3 East Street  is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm with  last admission at 4:30.

For more details — group bookings and what to see at each site — click on Museum Sites at right.

The Museum’s Directors

In recognition of the roles they are already playing in the Museum’s work, two new directors were elected at the recent AGM (26 June) of Rye Museum Association:  Wayne Jones, historian and retired headmaster, and Heather Stevenson who has experience in local government.   Three existing Directors were re-elected for a further 3 year term:  Jeremy Huddle (Treasurer), Sheila Maddock (Education) and Jean Floyd (Website and Bookstall).

Work commitments requiring time out of Rye have compelled three Directors to resign that post although they will continue to make valued contributions to our work: Pat Saines (Family History). Lin Saines (Medieval  Garden) and Martin Riddell (Marketing and Construction projects).  A full list of Directors and Trustees may be found here.

Linden Thomas, Conservator/Curator

Linden Thomas who has been our consultant conservator and documentalist has agreed to add Curator to her portfolio which will include responsibility for membership and volunteers.  Linden has been doing a sterling job in all the tasks which will ensure we continue to meet the standards for Museum Accreditation and we are most grateful that she is able to expand her role in this way.

Tower Project Fund

Thanks to all who have been working to raise funds for the restoration of the Women’s Tower!  Recent contributions have come from Paul McCartney who donated a CD set sold at auction,  professional musician alumni of Rye College who presented an excellent concert on our behalf (for details click here), Year 9 students of Rye College who offered a short play (The visit of King George I), a collection of stories as well as baked goods and games on  9th July;  the Mermaid Inn;  Rae Festing who lent her lovely garden on 30th July for a most successful Coffee Morning which raised over £500 (after expenses) ,  members and friends who have bought stones  or windows for the restored tower,  and those who have helped with income generating garden group visits, paranormal society visits and ghost walks.T Thanks too to those who have  filled jars with 20p pieces.   Depending on jar size these yield between £25 and £50 per jar!

If you too could fill a jar or buy a/another stone we would be that much closer to our goal of £100,000!

Thanks to all the book donors!

In July News we asked for more books to fill the gaps on our shelves.  Many thanks to all those who have given so generously.  We had a great supply to draw on for the Book Stall at our last Coffee Morning which was held in  Rae Festing’s lovely garden on Saturday 30th July.   With tea, coffee and cake,  plants, bric-a-brac, and a  tombola besides and lots of visitors enjoying a sunny day in Rye we had a very successful morning  altogether,

And if you visit the Book Stop at East Street during opening hours at the weekends you will find more quality books you’ve not seen before.  Come take a look.

Publications and Souvenirs

Click on Publications at right for recent additions.  Besides books,cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower, WWII replicas, dolls and more.

PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE!

Friday 30th September, East Street 7:30 p.m.
Donna Bilak:   Personalities of 17th Century Rye
(Lecture 3 in her series in aid of the Women’s Tower Project)

Donna Bilak of the Bard Graduate Centre in New York has used our sources for much of her research on Samuel Jeake, John Allen, Philip Firth and other personalities of Rye in the 1600s — and has already come twice to share her findings with us.  She has been invited to Cambridge to give a conference paper at the end of September and once again has offered to return to Rye for a special evening in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.  Anyone who has attended either or both of her previous talks can vouch forher ability to share her enthusiasm in a most stimulating way.  Watch for further details.

Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there.

News Flashes

Did you know there is now a Rye Museum page on Facebook?   Our thanks to Jamie Kirkham for setting it up for us. All you need to do to see it is type Facebook Rye Castle Museum in a Google search box.

Members’ Drinks Party on Friday evening 5th August 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the  Ypres Tower

Our wonderful  Tower guides are hosting a party for the  Rye Museum Association.  We urge all our members to come — you will have received a ticket but please RSVP so they know how many to cater for.  You will have the chance to see the latest displays added in the Tower as well as the Medieval Garden which is becoming very well known amongst gardeners and gardening groups.

Did you know that thanks to the Tower guides team and the fact that the Ypres Tower site is now open every day throughout the day visitor numbers (and income) have increased by a whopping 70% this year! A real cause for a celebration party!

If you are not yet a member, why not join so you won’t miss out on our many activities?    Click here to find out how.  And member or not why not also click on Museum Sites at right where you will find new photos taken at the Tower by Clive Sawyer.

Special reduced prices

Note that joint admission to both our sites (Ypres Tower and East Street) is now only £4.00 (Concessions £3.00) while admission to the East Street site is now only £1.50.  Admission to the Ypres Tower is £3.00 (Concessions £2.50)).  The Ypres Tower continues to be open daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:30.  3 East Street  is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm with  last admission at 4:30.

For more details — group bookings and what to see at each site — click on Museum Sites at right.

Thanks to all the book donors!

In July News we asked for more books to fill the gaps on our shelves.  Many thanks to all those who have given so generously.  We had a great supply to draw on for the Book Stall at our last Coffee Morning which was held in  Rae Festing’s lovely garden on Saturday 30th July.   With tea, coffee and cake,  plants, bric-a-brac, and a  tombola besides and lots of visitors enjoying a sunny day in Rye we had a very successful morning  altogether,

And if you visit the Book Stop at East Street during opening hours at the weekends you will find more quality books you’ve not seen before.  Come take a look.

Publications and Souvenirs

Click on Publications at right for recent additions.  Besides books,cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower, WWII replicas, dolls and more.

PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE!

Friday 30th September, East Street 7:30 p.m.
Donna Bilak:   Personalities of 17th Century Rye
(Lecture 3 in her series in aid of the Women’s Tower Project)

Donna Bilak of the Bard Graduate Centre in New York has used our sources for much of her research on Samuel Jeake, John Allen, Philip Firth and other personalities of Rye in the 1600s — and has already come twice to share her findings with us.  She has been invited to Cambridge to give a conference paper at the end of September and once again has offered to return to Rye for a special evening in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.  Anyone who has attended either or both of her previous talks can vouch forher ability to share her enthusiasm in a most stimulating way.  Watch for further details.

Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there.

 Summer Special reduced prices.   Note that joint admission to both our sites (Ypres Tower and East Street) is now only £4.00 (Concessions £3.00) while admission to the East Street site is now only £1.50.  Admission to the Ypres Tower is £3.00 (Concessions £2.50)).  The Ypres Tower continues to be open daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:30.  3 East Street  is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm with  last admission at 4:30.  

For more details — group bookings and what to see at each site — click on Museum Sites at right.  

Two Rye Ex-Mayors 

With Jo Kirkham is Mrs Dorothy Houghton, age 91, former mayor of Rye in Victoria, Australia, who recently enjoyed her visits to both East Street and the Tower.  When our Jo was Mayor of our Rye, the two corresponded and thus began the interaction of Rye Museum Association and the Australian Rye Historical Society — including several previous visits.  

Did you know there is a Rye in Victoria, Australia and that there is a Winchelsea nearby? This is because in the hard times of the mid 1800s Rye built-ships carried emigrants as well as cargo to Australia and elsewhere. The Australian Rye was founded in 1861.  

Another Rye with which we have maintained strong links is Rye, New York which is two centuries older. Begun in 1660 it grew to become a city. It borders both Long Island Sound and Connecticut at the gateway of New England, within convenient commuting distance of New York City.  When Jo was Mayor she and her daughter Tracy (as Mayoress) visited not only Rye, New York but  still another Rye — in New Hampshire. 

Rye College Students say ‘Let¹s build a Roof!’

On Saturday 9th July, Year 9  students from Rye College had as their slogan ‘RYE COLLEGE WILL HELP!  BUT WILL YOU?’ when, for the second year, they put on an event at the Ypres Tower to raise money for the Museum’s Women’s Tower Restoration Appeal. Among the visitors were the Mayor and  Mayoress of Rye, John and Geraldine Breeds, pictured here with drama teacher Mrs Chillingworth and the students.  

The afternoon consisted of drama on the lawn, (the story of King George I, Martha Lamb and baby George!), as well as selling a booklet of stories ­ ‘Tales from the Tower ­ Volume 2′ ­ which they had written specially for the day, and cakes and other items made by them for the occasion; copies are still available from the Tower and East Street, price £3.  

he Museum wish to thank Mrs. Chillingworth and her students, Gaby Emson, Jessica Lench, Martha Scott-Cracknell, Lydia Gilbert, Mariah Wilkins, Stevie Sharp, Florence Graham and Aiyana Everest, for raising approximately £100 for the Appeal, and giving both locals and visitors much pleasure.   (Photos by Peter Varley)  

 More Boosts for the Women’s Tower Project Fund

Our chairman and deputy chairman, Jo and Peter, are holding the cheque for Rye Museum’s share of the proceeds from the wonderful concert presented by 11 talented Rye-grown professionals recently.  (The other recipient was Rye Hospital.)  Click on Feature: Sellout Concert  at right to read more about this hugely successful Museum fundraiser event.  (And thanks to James Kirkham for all the photos.)   

A second boost came on 9th July when Year 9 drama students from Rye College spent an afternoon entertaining passersby and Tower visitors with the story of  King George I  when rough seas forced him to disembark in Rye  Bay; his happy visit as a guest of Mayor James Lamb and his wife Martha coincided with the birth of  another Lamb son for whom the King agreed to be godfather.   The students also provided cakes, cards, games all in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.

Still another  boost has come from the sale at Bonhams (Auctioneers and Valuers) of a CD set donated to us  by none other than Paul McCartney.

Thanks to all our supporters!

 Bring and buy books!   

Have you visited our bookstall at the East Street site?  A happy visitor has dubbed it ‘the best-organised second hand book collection in Rye’. Thanks to members and friends we can offer a wide range of quality  fiction and non-fiction at bargain prices, with proceeds helping to meet the costs of our education programmes. 

Just now we are in need of some fresh stock to fill  gaps on the shelves so if you have some good books which deserve other readers we would be pleased to receive them!  The best time to deliver is during East Street Museum open hours (Sat/Sun 10:30 – 4:45) but you can always contact the Museum to arrange another time:  01797-226728  or info@ryemuseum.co.uk.    

When you bring you might also spot a book or two to buy!  

Publications and Souvenirs  

Check the new Publications list at right for recent additions.  Besides books,cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower, WWII replicas, dolls and more.  

PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE!   

Tuesday 26th July  East Street  6:30
Rye Museum AGM  

Saturday 30th July 11 High Street 10:30 – 1:00
Grand Coffee Morning in Rae Festing’s Secret Garden  

Rae has again offered her beautiful garden so that we can have a special summer event with more than the usual number of stalls and room for many more guests.   If you have books, jewelry, plants, cakes or other baked goods, bric a brac or any other saleable items to offer or if you could help on the day please do let us know!  Telephone: 01797 226728     Email: info@ryemuseum.co.uk  

Friday 5th August, Ypres Tower 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Summer Drinks Party  

If you are a member of the Rye Museum Association you will have received a ticket with the latest mailing but please RSVP.  You will have the chance to see the latest displays added in the Tower as well as the Medieval Garden which is becoming very well known amongst gardeners and gardening groups.   If you are not yet a member, why not join so you won’t miss out on our many activities?    Click here to find out how.  And member or not why not also click on Museum Sites at right where you will find new photos taken at the Tower by Clive Sawyer. 

Friday 30th September, East Street 7:30 p.m.
Donna Bilak:   Personalities of 17th Century Rye (Lecture 3 in her series in aid of the Women’s Tower Project)  

Donna Bilak of the Bard Graduate Centre in New York has used our sources for much of her research on Samuel Jeake, John Allen, Philip Firth and other personalities of Rye in the 1600s — and has already come twice to share her findings with us.  She has been invited to Cambridge to give a conference paper at the end of September and once again has offered to return to Rye for a special evening in aid of the Women’s Tower Project.  Anyone who has attended either or both of her previous talks can vouch forher ability to share her enthusiasm in a most stimulating way.  Watch for further details.   

OTHER MOST RECENT EVENTS  

These are in addition to the Rye College student event at the Tower noted above:

Tuesday 12th July,  East Street
Sussex Industrial History: An Alternative Approach by Geoffrey Mead 

 Another great treat for members and friends!   Geoffrey, geographer and local historian of Sussex University’s Centre for Community Engagement AND Rye Museum Trustee,  flew us through centuries of local history and then around the countywith the help of photos and maps  to give us a new understanding of the geology, archaeology, industry and culture which have shaped the landscape around us.  A enthusiastic  tour de force which will no doubt prompt early bookings for his 10 week WEA course on this topic which will begin October 3 here in Rye.   

What a grand display by the Royal Air Force Acrobatic team  in their BAE Hawk trainer planes, beginning with their trademark nine formation and continuing with a dazzling sequence of precision ballet in the sky with red and blue trails.   Rye residents and fortunate visitors are most grateful to the anonymous local sponsor of this superb event.    In addition to a parade of 1940s military vehicles preceded by Pipes and Drums,  and some energetic Lindy Hopping which some of us remember from the 40s and 50s,  there was a contribution by Rye Museum in the form of access to boxes of World War II memorabilia which are available for schools.  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day.  

14th June 2011, 3 East Street
Hops and Hop Picking by Richard Filmer  

Richard brought a superb collection of slides to accompany his most interesting and informative talk on the vanishing tradition of hop growing and hop picking in Sussex and Kent.    His in-depth knowledge, fluency  and wry sense of humour were much appreciated by the capacity audience at East Street,   There will no doubt be many who would like a copy of the new edition of his book on the topic:  Hops and Hop Picking (Shire Publications).  And have you had a look at the pair of stilts handing on the entrance wall of the East Street museum?  These were used by those who maintained the hop poles.  (Hop production in pre-mechanisation days required an incredible amount of labour year-round, always with the threat of destruction by disease or weather. )   As we saw, the stilts were often even higher than out giant-size pair,  and often used on muddy uneven ground.  The Museum has been adding to its collection of hop related items and we hope to mount a display on this topic soon.  

 Are you caught up with recent Museum events and activities? additions to the website?  linked sites?

Check previous posts under Latest News and other headings at right to see what you might have missed.  And check the Links list for additions there.

For more details — group bookings and what to see at each site — click on Museum Sites at right.

Two Rye Ex-Mayors   With Jo Kirkham is Mrs Dorothy Houghton, age 91, former mayor of Rye in Victoria, Australia, who recently enjoyed her visits to both East Street and the Tower.  When our Jo was Mayor of our Rye, the two corresponded and thus began the interaction of Rye Museum Association and the Australian Rye Historical Society — including several previous visits.

Did you know there is a Rye in Victoria, Australia and that there is a Winchelsea nearby? This is because in the hard times of the mid 1800s Rye built-ships carried emigrants as well as cargo to Australia and elsewhere. The Australian Rye was founded in 1861.

Another Rye with which we have maintained strong links is Rye, New York which is two centuries older. Begun in 1660 it grew to become a city. It borders both Long Island Sound and Connecticut at the gateway of New England, within convenient commuting distance of New York City.

Rye College Students say ‘Let¹s build a Roof!’
 

La st Saturday, 9th July, Year 9  students from Rye College had as their slogan ‘RYE COLLEGE WILL HELP!  BUT WILL YOU?’ when, for the second year, they put on an event at the Ypres Tower to raise money for the Museum’s Women’s Tower Restoration Appeal. Among the visitors were the Mayor and  Mayoress of Rye, John and Geraldine Breeds, pictured here with drama teacher Mrs Chillingworth and the students.

The afternoon consisted of drama on the lawn, (the story of King George I, Martha Lamb and baby George!), as well as selling a booklet of stories ­ ‘Tales from the Tower ­ Volume 2′ ­ which they had written specially for the day, and cakes and other items made by them for the occasion; copies are still available from the Tower and East Street, price £3.

The Museum wish to thank Mrs. Chillingworth and her students, Gaby Emson, Jessica Lench, Martha Scott-Cracknell, Lydia Gilbert, Mariah Wilkins, Stevie Sharp, Florence Graham and Aiyana Everest, for raising approximately £100 for the Appeal, and giving both locals and visitors much pleasure.   (Photos by Peter Varley)

Click on Feature: Sell-out Concert Fundraiser at right to read about the hugely successful Museum fundraiser event presented by 11 talented Rye-grown professional musicians   Just added:  Photos taken by James Kirkham of the Rye and District Camera Club. Thanks James!

Bring and buy books!   Have you visited our bookstall at the East Street site?  A happy visitor has dubbed it ‘the best-organised second hand book collection in Rye’. Thanks to members and friends we can offer a wide range of quality  fiction and non-fiction at bargain prices, with proceeds helping to meet the costs of our education programmes.

Just now we are in need of some fresh stock to fill  gaps on the shelves so if you have some good books which deserve other readers we would be pleased to receive them!  The best time to deliver is during East Street Museum open hours (Sat/Sun 10:30 – 4:45) but you can always contact the Museum to arrange another time:  01797-226728  or info@ryemuseum.co.uk.  

When you bring you might also spot a book or two to buy!

Publications and Souvenirs

Check the new Publications list at right for recent additions.  Besides books,cards,  postcards (e.g. Captain Pugwash) and DVDs we now also have models (St Mary’s Church and Ypres Tower, WWII replicas, dolls and more.

PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE! 

Saturday 9th July   2-4 p.m.  Prison life in Ypres Tower
An enactment by Rye College Drama Students plus games, crafts and cakes 

Rye College students are coming again to act in the Tower!  . Theirs was an outstanding Museum event last year offering visitors the chance to imagine what it might have been like to be a prisoner there.  This year the theme is Women and Children in Rye –appropriate because, as last year, the event will be in aid of the Women’s Tower Project .  It is a project which the students want to be part of.  One student wrote to us: “I think that all of us at Rye College enjoyed performing for you and would be very glad to do it again. It is also great experience for the rest of the students who have not yet had the opportunity. I hope that I hear from you soon.“   Do join us. You’ll be glad you came.

Tuesday 12th July  East Street  19:30
Sussex Industrial History: An Alternative Approach by Geoffrey Mead
Geoffrey Mead is a geographer and local historian of Sussex University’s Centre for Community Engagement.  He lectures on a variety of topics, conducts popular tours on historic Brighton (including Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock), is interested in the combined effects of geology, archaeology, industry and culture on landscape – especially in Sussex — and is also a Trustee of Rye Museum!

Entrance is £2.00 for Rye Museum Association members and £3,00 for non-members.  There will be refreshments and a raffle. 

Tuesday 26th July  East Street  6:30
Rye Museum AGM

Saturday 30th July 11 High Street 10:30 – 1:00
Grand Coffee Morning in Rae Festing’s Secret Garden

Rae has again offered her beautiful garden so that we can have a special summer event with more than the usual number of stalls and room for many more guests.   If you have books, jewelry, plants, cakes or other baked goods, bric a brac or any other saleable items to offer or if you could help on the day please do let us know!  Telephone: 01797 226728     Email: info@ryemuseum.co.uk

OUR MOST RECENT EVENTS

Saturday 11th June  Red Arrow Day in Rye! 

What a grand display by the Royal Air Force Acrobatic team  in their BAE Hawk trainer planes, beginning with their trademark nine formation and continuing with a dazzling sequence of precision ballet in the sky with red and blue trails.   Rye residents and fortunate visitors are most grateful to the anonymous local sponsor of this superb event.    In addition to a parade of 1940s military vehicles preceded by Pipes and Drums,  and some energetic Lindy Hopping which some of us remember from the 40s and 50s,  there was a contribution by Rye Museum in the form of access to boxes of World War II memorabilia which are available for schools.  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day.

14th June 2011, 3 East Street
Hops and Hop Picking by Richard Filmer

Richard brought a superb collection of slides to accompany his most interesting and informative talk on the vanishing tradition of hop growing and hop picking in Sussex and Kent.    His in-depth knowledge, fluency  and wry sense of humour were much appreciated by the capacity audience at East Street,   There will no doubt be many who would like a copy of the new edition of his book on the topic:  Hops and Hop Picking (Shire Publications).  And have you had a look at the pair of stilts handing on the entrance wall of the East Street museum?  These were used by those who maintained the hop poles.  (Hop production in pre-mechanisation days required an incredible amount of labour year-round, always with the threat of destruction by disease or weather. )   As we saw, the stilts were often even higher than out giant-size pair,  and often used on muddy uneven ground.  The Museum has been adding to its collection of hop related items and we hope to mount a display on this topic soon.

Sunday 15th May:  Rye College.�
A very special concert in aid of the Women’s Tower  Project

The concert of popular music given by ex-students of Rye College who have become professional musicians was indeed very special and brought a most welcome addition to the Women’s Tower Project appeal fund.  These very distinguished alumni now work with  Royal Opera House,  English and Welsh National Operas,  Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music — and so on.  This was a lovely gesture for which we are most grateful.  If you weren’t lucky enough to attend the concert you can still find out about this very talented group of alumni by clicking here.

For other Recent Events, please scroll down

WHAT TO SEE AT OUR TWO SITES  

Here are some new photos of the ground floor and the cellar by Clive Sawyer showing how the Tower has been ‘smartened up’ recently.

Click here for details of the eleven ex-students of Rye College who have become professional musicians and will be giving a special concert on 15th May in aid of Rye Museum’s Women’s Tower appeal.  Concert particulars below under  Put these dates in your diary!

OPENING TIMES AND PRICES

Ypres Tower
This site continues to be open daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:30.  The admission price  is £3.00 for adults (Concessions £2.50). Children are free.   Joint tickets for the two sites are £5.00 and £4.00.  

3 East Street
 Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm with  last admission at 4:30. The admission price is £2.50 for adults (Concessions £2.00).   Joint tickets for the two sites are £5.00 and £4.00.  

Groups
Groups of over 8 persons have a special rate.  It is possible to arrange for a guide or a talk on a particular subject.  The Museum Education Team can arrange special class visits for various curriculum subjects and these are proving very popular.   For further details please contact the Museum on  01797-226728 or e-mail info@ryemuseum.co.uk.

WHAT TO SEE AT OUR TWO SITES

 Here are some new photos of the ground floor and the cellar by Clive Sawyer showing how the Tower has been ‘smartened up’ recently. 

Ypres Tower Cellar (Clive Sawyer)

Ypres Tower Ground Floor (Clive Sawyer)

This is what the Lonely Planet has to say about our Ypres Tower:

Turn right at the Church Square’s east corner for the sandcastle-archetype Ypres Tower, pronounced ‘Wipers’. This 13th-century building has great views over Romney Marsh and Rye Bay, and houses one part of Rye Castle Museum. It’s overseen by a friendly warden fit to bust with colourful tales from the tower’s long history as fort, prison, mortuary and museum (the last two at overlapping times).

Royal Weddings exhibit at East Street

Items range from some originally produced for the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840   

through to the latest from Rye Pottery for that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on 29th April.   

More details under Recent Events –> Offcial Opening below.

PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY PLEASE!

Tuesday 10th May: East Street  Early start: 7 pm
Herbs in May :  Lin Saines
A talk with exhibits and herb tastings offered by our Medieval Garden expert.   During the coming months you will also want to plan a visit the Medieval Garden at the Tower and the newly refurbished Still Room within it too: these have been created by Lin, carpentry (using medieval methods!) byMartin Riddell.   The annual plant-up takes place in May.

Sunday 15th May:  Rye College 3 pm:  Where are they now? A very special concert in aid of the Women’s Tower  Project\

Eleven former students of Rye College (then Thomas Peacocke) have gone on to become professional musicians with  Royal Opera House,  English and Welsh National Operas,  Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music — and so on: a very distinguished group of alumni of which Rye can be justly proud.   They are joining together to  treat the Rye community to an afternoon concert of popular music with half the proceeds going to Rye Museum’s Women’s Tower project, the other half to Rye Hospital.  Tickets are £10 and may be purchased at Martello Bookshop or at the door.  There will be a raffle.  

Do put this in your diary!    Click here for details of the performers.  You will be impressed!

RECENT EVENTS    

Tuesday 12th April:  East Street�
 Garden for All Reasons:  Colin Page
A splendid evening of nature photography with a deserving award winner.  

Saturday 16th April: East Street 10:30 – 12:00
Coffee Morning 
This was a particularly enjoyable morning because many visitors to Rye attended as well as  ‘regulars’  to admire the new exhibits,  chat, buy and enjoy coffee, tea and cake. 

Tuesday, 29th March: 3 East Street
Official Opening of Summer Season

Members and special guests recently gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new season,  to view new and updated exhibits and enjoy especially delicious food prepared by head guide Toby Major and director Dilys Mayor. Among the guests at the opening was  98 year old Arthur Woodgate who came to see the bell left to him by his grandfather ‘Old Batch’ in its new home:  the case featuring the Rye ship Three Brothers where both bell and grandfather once served.   Another case features some splendid between-the-wars costumes from the Museum’s collection.  The Captain Pugwash display largely donated by the creator’s wife Priscilla Ryan continues to win praise. . . . 

If you have not visited the Museum for a while, it is high time to  plan a return  to both sites.  There are new features at the Tower too! 

And if you have time and talents to volunteer please please do let us know!

ARE YOU CAUGHT UP WITH ADDITIONS TO THE WEBSITE?

Do check out the new link to A Pocketful of Rye, which offers a delightful series of quality illustrated guides to aspects of Rye,  

If you haven’t checked  Latest News recently,  we recommend you click that heading at right and check  previous monthly posts to see what you might have missed.   Recent new posts include:  The Gungarden Story:  an 800 year history, an expanded and updated article  on Writers in Rye, an altogether new one featuring  Stories Set in and Around Rye, and another called  More Rye Connections which lists writers who lived in or near Rye, or regularly visited Rye as well as Rye historians.  All  these are  under the new category  of  Literary Rye, see right.  

 The Women’s Tower Project now has its own section; see under Rye Castle at right.  There is a form you can download if you would like to help us save the tower.  Recent posts also include new pieces on the Medieval Garden  and under Said About Rye.   The Links to other sites (see right) often supplement what this one offers.  The newest link is to Romney Marsh Times and we recommend the item 5 Things You Didn’t Know about Romney Marsh for starters.