Almost £30,000 Raised Towards New Ambulance
When the then Mayor of Rye, Peter Dyce, set a target of £42,000 to be raised to get the Rye St. John a new ambulance it seemed as though the task would be nigh impossible. Ryers, however, often do the impossible and the total raised now nears the £30,000 mark. No grants, no government money just hard won cash, raised by any number of ingenious fund raising schemes including an Auction of Promise, Fetes, Street Collection, Rummage Sales, Coffee Mornings and many more. When Paul Carey took the Mayoral Chain from Peter he took the unusual step of making the Ambulance appeal the Mayor’s Charity for the second year in succession and has put his shoulder to the wheel in more efforts to get to the total. Jimper Sutton, of Jimper’s Jottings fame, decided he would like to get involved and has written a book filled with stories from his youth. He got the Rye Partnership to fund the paper, Councillor Jo’ Kirkham to edit his work, Rye’s Own to print 1000 copies and Adams to collate, stitch and trim them. Every single penny of the £3 per copy, plus any extra cash given at the time of purchase goes to the cause. At the time of going to press the little book was well on the way to being a sell out and earning £3,000 towards the new ambulance. On Saturday 29 May The Rye Wheelers, with the help of the Mayor and many others are organising a “Spectacular Day” on the Town Hall Steps. The Butter Market will become the focal point of the entertainments and money raising. The Wheelers are taking part in a 12 hour Two Up Non Stop Sponsored Roller Relay, a feat never before attempted in the town. There will be stalls, a bar, live music by local groups, a raffle and a surprise event that is hoped, on its own, will raise at least £1,000 for Rye St. John. The Town Crier will be there, conducting affairs in his own inimitable manner. It is hoped the new Mayor of Rye, whoever he may be, will be in attendance along with as many Councillors as possible. Anyone else who would like to be involved and who have any extra ideas for entertainments or money raising activities, please call 222420 or 223000
“Rye’s Own” May 2004
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