Rye Day Centre marks itstwenty year anniversary

The centre plays a vital role in provide help and social interaction to the elderly people of Rye, Icklesham, Peasmarsh, Winchelsea, Iden and surrounding villages.

Members are able to enjoy lunch and take part in organised events as well as art and exercise classes.

Back in the Summer of 1983 Rye Council for Voluntary Services convened a meeting of representatives from voluntary organisation local churches, social services, and Rye Town Council in Rye Baptist Church Hall to consider the possibility of starting a Day Centre for people who were isolated lonely and had some level of disability.

Social Services offered a home help from the home help team who with volunteers would cook the midday meal. Volunteer drivers were recruited to ferry the members to the day centre.

Kate Head took on the role of co-ordinator and with her commitment and energy the evolution of the Day Centre continued to progress and evolve into the wonderful service its provides today for the many members from Rye and the surrounding area.

Kate retired in 2012, and the day centre continues to provide many services to local senior citizens with the help of a management committee co-ordinator and cook, as well as many volunteers.

Volunteer Dave Pellen said: “ The Centre is very grateful to all the support and assistance we get from the many business and local groups who, over the years, provide support and assistance which in turn allows the Day Centre to continue as a self funding organisation and charity.”