Tag: Westfield

This Rye’s Own collection brings together articles connected with Westfield, drawing news, memories and magazine features into one path through the archive. The trail includes “Rye Raft Race”, “Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon”, and “Miss Welfare”, offering several ways into the subject rather than a single potted account. It is a collection to browse for both the main story and the small, telling details that a local magazine notices.

Rye Raft Race

Photographs IAIN POCOCK Report Conrad Freezer After last year’s wet day, the sun came out for Rye & District Lions Club Raft Race & Fete, with an estimated crowd of 4-5,000 spectators cheering on a record entry of sixteen rafts. Although it is early days, the Lions estimate that the event raised around £8,000, all of … Continue reading Rye Raft Race

Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon

The Hastings Connections By Helena Wojtezak Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon (1827-91) was one of the founders of the women’s rights movement in Britain. She was born in Whatlington, near Battle, Sussex, died at nearby Robertsbridge, and was connected to the Hastings area throughout her life.

Miss Welfare

Freda Mary Welfare: 1905-2005 Freda was born in Robertsbridge in 1905 where her father was landlord of “The New Eight Bells”. In 1912 her father died and the family split up. Her mother and two brothers went to Reading where there were family members, by Freda came to live with a favourite aunt and uncle … Continue reading Miss Welfare