Discovery Day at Rye Museum
St. Mary’s Church St. Mary’s Church and Rye Museum combined together to produce an amazing day of fun and discovery for children and parents alike on Saturday 1 November. Over 300 people attended the exciting event including families from as far away as Portsmouth and at one point a local family had three generations represented. In every corner there was the bustle of activity coupled with awed interest from parents and children alike. To name a few, young Ethan Pearson aged nine who came all the way from Portsmouth is seen in the photograph weighed down by the Norman Chain-mail battle dress tunic that historian Andy Wilkinson helped Ethan into. It was hard to imagine Norman Soldiers running into battle or climbing onto horseback in full battle dress. Even Andy asserted that his chain-mail tunic was getting heavy on his soldiers.
At another area Nick Weinstein on holiday from Surrey was engrossed with the points on the arrows used in battle, he is pictured here with Jim McHale, Treasurer of Rye Long Bowman Society who captured Nick’s interest as he described how the arrow heads were made. Several other Long-bowmen were similarly engaged. They all volunteered their time, and “enjoyed being with the kids”. More action in the far corner revealed the family of Mrs. Kay Hodges ‘Ryer’ whose three grandchildren, Ashley Mills, 10 years, Laura 6 years and Nathan 5 years modelled Medieval dress. How adorable they look!
There were Norman tiles being made, quizzes being solved, fishing net demonstrations being made with Bill Drew, (fish auctioneer Rye Fishmarket) and after a short walk to St. Mary’s Church volunteers from Saxon Village Craft helped youngsters braid their own extensions which they sported in their hair. Allan Downend, curator, stated the experience had been extremely successful. He quoted this from assessor ESCC., Ann Kramer who represented the Family Learning Centre who funded the event. A special mention to Rosalind Collier, Shirley Brinkhurst and the many volunteers whose hard work contributed to the triumphal day.
“Rye’s Own” December 2003
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