From the March 2002 issue of Rye’s Own
There was a time when the Royal Ensign flew over Rye Town Hall. Thirty-three years ago Queen Elizabeth II came to visit Rye and was given such a warm welcome by the people of this Town.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then but I would
be prepared to wager that all those Ryers who saw her that day will
still remember the time with affection.
At Rye’s Own we have special memories of her kindness. When we applied
for press stand passes to photograph her and the Duke of Edinburgh
on that day we were refused by the local authorities on the grounds
that the Sussex Express was the designated local paper to get a pass
and the only other pass would be going to the national press rota
photographer.
We wrote directly to Buckingham Palace and were rewarded for our cheek with Two special press stand passes for the two principle photo opportunity places, they were forwarded directly by The Queen’s Secretary.
In this Golden Jubilee year we should all look back and reflect on the good things the Monarchy has done for Britain. It is easy to get caught up in some of the stories put forward by “knockers” in the press.
Just look at the boost to tourism that pomp and pageantry generate. Look at the faces of the people who come into contact with members of the Royal household. Look at the immense work The Queen has done as head of the Commonwealth. Look at The Queen Mother – she has given her whole life to this nation – staying in London at the height of the Blitz, supporting her young Daughter when she came to the Throne, attending countless functions, openings, ceremonies – she has even shown us how to enjoy life, even at the grand age of 101, her interest in horses and racing has not diminished. Stop knocking and start supporting, or one day we may lose something from our national identity that can never be replaced.
Ryers have always had a strong leaning towards the Monarchy and will, no doubt, be at the forefront of things when the Jubilee celebrations begin.