Rye is well known to attract tourists like moths around a flame.
Much of the time, while their income is welcome, the physical difficulties that accompany this influx of trade, the traffic jams, and crowded streets and beaches, means the presence of ‘Grockles’ is not.
But you can’t have the benefits of one without the disadvantages of the other, and Rye residents have to accept it and live with it.
This week, Rye News received a letter from a visitor who declares in no uncertain terms, the affection he holds for our town. The letter came from far away, San Francisco to be exact. And it carried a plea for the resumption of events not witnessed in Rye since pre-COVID.
It is a letter full of love and appreciation. For Rye the town, and those who live here. Everyone should read this letter, feel the sentiments expressed, and appreciate how lucky they are to live somewhere that attracts such love and affection from not just a local and regional audience, but a global one as well.
Rob Schmidt’s letter is printed below. Let’s look forward to welcoming all our visitors in 2022.
‘My wife Claudia and I, live just across the bay from San Francisco, California, but our hearts dwell on the streets and alleyways of Rye.
We have visited Rye every December since 2015 with the exception of last year, for obvious reasons.
Four years ago, an unexpected change of schedule put us in Rye during the Christmas Festival. Normally we arrive later in December, or earlier in November. We were simply amazed by the obvious hard work done by the volunteers who organise this event. So many small details. So much fun. We hung out of our window above the Standard Inn as a parade of good cheer passed below us, children and adults waving to us, all laughing and smiling. That night is indelibly inscribed on our hearts.
Saddened by the cancellation of last year’s festival, and with the fire which put the George out of commission, we wondered if our favourite spot on the planet could withstand the waves of restriction associated with the COVID pandemic. But if we have learned anything, we have learned that it is foolish indeed, to underestimate the resilience of the people of Rye. And so, each Friday, we look forward with great anticipation for the latest edition of the Rye News, which provides us with weekly confirmation of Dr. Jonas Salk’s observation that ‘there is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality.’
We look forward to emerging from the train station and finding Rye as we remember it in our fond memories, slightly changed and yet, unchanged, as living, vital things are inclined to be.
The photo below captures the essence of the festival for us. It shows Haley Ford and her family. Haley was part of the organizing team for previous festivals and helped me navigate the mysteries of international fund transfers so we could contribute financially to the festival. We were stunned to learn that she and her husband Andrew, ran two clothing shops on the High Street. They welcomed a new baby just weeks before the 2019 festival and still committed to volunteering with the production and co-ordination of the day’s events. Look at those smiles! This photo radiates the warmth that we encountered in every shop and pub. What a special place Rye is.
We have decided to take a chance and have booked accommodation and flights for the first week in December where traditionally, the festival should be scheduled.
We look forward with giddy anticipation to the announcement that there will be a Christmas Festival in December 2022, and that the ‘courage of those who make dreams a reality’ will once again be successful, rallying the resources to present such a fine event as in years past.
Sincere and Joyous Regards,
Rob and Claudia Schmidt
Alameda
California
The Rye News team pledges to support and promote all efforts to produce a joyous and successful Christmas Festival in 2022.
Chris Lawson - Editor
