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.

Cinque Port Coat of Arms

 The Cinque Ports Confederation  dates back to the 11th Century, during the reign of Edward the Confessor.  It was started by the ports Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich for mutual protecton and trade.  Edward  gave official recognition by granting a Royal Charter which was later confirmed by William the Conqueror .

Rye and Winchelsea became ’limbs’ of the Head Port of Hastings in the second half of the 12th Century.  They were incorporated as ‘Antient Towns’, which meant they were ‘worthy of veneration’.    Before Henry II died in 1189, he conferred on them the same privileges as were enjoyed by the original members of the Cinque Ports Federation.

The privileges were in exchange for services; the towns which formed the Confederation supplied ships and seamen for a set number of days per year and in times of trouble,    The privileges they received in return (legalised by Royal Charter in 1278)  enabled the Cinque Port towns to be exempted from many taxes, to trade wherever they wished and to hold their own courts.

12th to 13th Century Cinque Ports Ship

Apart from the five ports and the two antient towns, there are seven other members of the Confederation, which are considered to be Limbs of the other towns. These are Lydd (Limb of New Romney), Folkestone, Faversham and Margate (Limbs of Dover), Deal and Ramsgate (Limbs of Sandwich) and Tenterden (Limb of Rye).

In 1229 Rye supplied five ships for the King out of the Confederation’s total of fifty seven.  In 1337 the Hundred Years War began and the ships of the Cinque Ports were vital to the defence of England and for carrying the army to France. In 1415 the Confederation fleet transported Henry V and an army of ten thousand to Ifarfleur, which subsequently won the Battle of Agincourt.

The importance of Rye and Winchelsea, and the decline of Hastings elevated them to become Cinque Ports and Head Ports in their own right in the 14th Century although this does not seem to have been marked by any special event or legal formality. In typically English fashion the name of the Confederation was not changed, but continued under the somewhat cumbersome title of the ’Five Ports and Two Ancient Towns’.

Although the main duty of the Confederation was providing ships for the Crown, the Cinque Ports also organised and supplied Bailiffs to the Yarmouth Herring Fair,  an annual event which continued until the late seventeenth century. This big market and festival  fixed the price for the herring catch.  There were often clashes between the men of Rye and Winchelsea and the men of Yarmouth who resented the privileges held by the Cinque Ports towns.

The decline of the ports dates from the mid-14th century when changing ways of warfare made it necessary to have a more permanent marine force and the consequent larger ships were too big for the harbours, which had begun to silt up.   Despite the reduced strategic and tactical importance of the Cinque Ports fleet, the ports remained commercially active.  One Rye seaman accompanied Drake on his voyage around the world.

The Ports were asked by Queen Elizabeth to provide ships for the  Spanish Armada and in 1588 Rye, with its limb, Tenterden, produced–at twenty days notice–a ship of sixty tons called the William, a feat reflecting its relative prosperity at the time.

By the end of the sixteenth century a professional navy, forerunner of the modem Royal Navy, was established. The Cinque Ports continued their slow decline.

Today only Rye and Dover remain as true ports.   However, by providing ships and men for the Royal Fleet for some 400 years they laid the foundations of England’s maritime power, and their ceremonial importance–at Coronations for example– lasts to this day.

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.

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!

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!

Tuesday, 11th October,  East Street
Menaav Star: The Story of a Local Shipwreck  by Carl Bagwell

We are accustomed to learning about shipwrecks of Rye’s past — those built in Rye which met misfortune, or those lost off our coast.   This was a much more recent story.  The Danish Menaav Star successfully unloaded timber from the Caribbean off Camber in 2004 — and having just become an Indian-owned ship,  nearly did not get away.  In narrating the innumerable problems which threatened the ship’s survival before it eventually sailed off again, Rye’s former Harbour master reminded his listeners of the many interlinking factors  — ownership, regulations, crew competence, communications, equipment, weather, local knowledge — to mention only 7 — which determine the outcome of any voyage.

If you need a reminder of just how numerous shipwrecks in Rye Bay and along the adjacent coast have been over centuries past visit the Ypres Tower again, climb up to the first floor and look at the Shipwrecks chart next to the doorway to the balcony.  There is hardly room for another ship’s name on the chart!

Friday 30th September, East Street  Donna Bilak
The Chymical Club: John Allin, Samuel Jeake, Philip Frith and the Pursuit of Alchemy in 17th century Rye and London
(Lecture 3 in her series in aid of the Women’s Tower Project)

Donna Bilak of the Bard Graduate Center in New York was in England again to give a paper at a Cambridge University conference on Alchemy and Medicine from Antiquity to the Enlightenment and made a special trip to Rye to give us another installment of her research findings on leading figures of 17th century Rye: Rev John Allin and his friends Samuel Jeakes and Philip Frith.  John Allin was ejected as Rye’s vicar after the restoration of Charles II and the Act of Uniformity because he was a Dissenter so moved to London where he practiced medicine and pursued the dream of an alchemist to discover ‘the philosopher’s stone’ (by transmutation of metals to gold).

Rye Museum documents have been very important to Donna’s research.  Allin’s correspondence with Jeake and Frith is voluminous and the trio made detailed plans to set up an alchemy laboratory here in Rye.  We all left with a better understanding of alchemy’s lofty original purpose — before the word became associated with charlatans — and a clearer picture of the life and interests of 17th century Rye and London: living conditions,  plague, great fire, scientific interests, New World contacts and all.  Donna has promised us a bound copy of her completed project.

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 prompted  bookings for his 10 week WEA course on this topic which began October 3 here in Rye.   Geoff is also providing a course through U3A if you are a member of that.

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.

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.

Heather Stevenson and a team of 8 Museum volunteers hosted an October afternoon of making things for 14 children and 18 adults including several fathers,  The photos speak for themselves.  Do you see why we value your support for the fundraising events which make such events possible?

This is how it was done in Rye recently when a  very beautiful Sri Lankan Buddhist wedding or Poruwa Ceremony was
held in the Medieval Herb Garden at our Ypres Tower.

The dancers met  bride Minna  and groom Girhan  in the Churchyard and led them with amazing somersaults and acrobatics to the Garden at the Castle where musicians were playing.

The Kapuwa (Officiant) chanted in Pali, including the attributes and blessings of the Buddha, and asking the deities that govern the earth and
sky for blessings of health, success and long life for the couple.

The two then exchanged betel leaves to welcome each other with honour — repeating this seven times to represent blessings of seven generations of ancestors. Their fingers were then tied together with thread by the Groom’s uncle to symbolise their spiritual union. Water was poured over their linked hands onto the earth – water and earth being eternal verities – as everlasting witnesses to the marriage.

The Bridegroom then tied a necklace around the Bride’s neck to show his honour and presents were given by the parents of the couple.
The Bridegroom’s mother presented a plate of kiri (milk rice) to the Bride who then fed a piece to the Groom, who then fed some to the Bride. Family members then exchanged betel leaves.

The Kapuwa chanted again, this time in Sanskrit, before the final blessings. As the couple stepped down from the Poruwa, a coconut was cracked to ward off any evil and bless the couple with a happy marriage.

Finally the couple lit a brass oil lamp to signify their resolve to keep the home fires burning.

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.

In their honour we have put together a display of posters and other items from their 40 years of singing.  The photograph, taken in Rye Castle/Ypres Tower, shows four founder-members, Lesley Brownbill, (conductor),  Jo Kirkham, Susan Manktelow, and Carole Osborne.

The Ryesingers have been loyal supporters of the Rye Museum — they recently  donated the proceeds of yet another lovely concert to our  Women’s Tower Project.  Here are some things to know about them:

• The Ryesingers held their inaugural meeting in 1971 with eight ladies.  The membership now totals about 40 and includes men.
• From that very first meeting their Conductor has been Lesley Brownbill who continued to fire members with her own enthusiasm and choose imaginative programmes.
• They have taken part in competitions all over the British Isles and appeared several times on TV and radio. They have also performed in Germany, France and Belgium.
• Their repetoire is very wide:  folk songs,  Gilbert and Sullivan, large classical works, church services, oratorios . . . .
• The Choir has sung for many civic functions in Rye.  One of the members from the beginning has been  Jo Kirkham (our Chairman) who, on becoming Mayor of Rye in 1979 immediately appointed Ryesingers as her personal minstrels — a medieval tradition revived.
• Ryesingers welcomed inn song Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on her visit to Rye as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1980.