Part of the enormously successful Rye Christmas Celebrations in the town was a huge St Bernard dog by the name of Merlin.
Merlin and his owner Vanessa Bourne charmed the crowds in the High Street as they collected money for Rye & Winchelsea Rotary Club. Over a period of just two hours they collected slightly under a £100 for local good causes. With his authentic harness comprising of bells and a brandy barrel Merlin was a show stealer for the children who were able to hug and stoke him as well as put a few pennies in Merlin’s bucket.
Elsewhere in the High Street Rotary had a stand depicting a scene from Winnie the Pooh which also raised substantial funds for this years Rotary appeal. Rotary President Roger Evans said “I would like to thank all who have given so generously this year, at a time of financial difficulty for so many”.
Vanessa and Merlin – Their collection tatalled almost £100 in two hours.
Rye’s Own January 2013
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