Winchelsea Christmas Event – 17 December
Our Winchelsea Christmas Event – What A Cracker! on 17 December welcomed 55 attendees and proved to be a truly joyful way to end the year. The beautifully decorated room set the scene, with a warm welcome from Paul Goring, the Rye Town Crier, who officially opened the morning.
Selection of photos here:
Throughout the event we were serenaded by the wonderful voice of Winchelsea-based cabaret singer Bill Bradbury, creating a festive atmosphere that many described as magical. The Dowager Lady Crabtree delighted the audience with her sometimes sardonic reflections on “What’s Happened to Christmas?”, while close-up magician Stuart Weller amazed guests with astonishing tricks performed right under their noses.
The highlight for many was our raffle, featuring an incredible 33 prizes, generously donated by local businesses in Rye and Winchelsea and beautifully wrapped by our volunteer Miriam McGuirk – watta girl! Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and donated, we raised a fantastic £392.
Raffle prizes were kindly donated by:
Rye Butchers, Diamond Koz, Rye Hair Salon, Rye Garden Centre, Heart & Herald, The Paper Place, Rye Health Food Shop, J&F Fruiterers, The Kind Table, Suttons of Winchelsea, Ben’s Fish & Chips, Lorna Dowling.
Delicious cakes and savouries were provided by Haydens of Rye, the Cornish Bakery (Rye), and Jempsons, with mince pies from the Ship Inn, Winchelsea.
The feedback was excellent, with many guests saying “This is the start of my Christmas.”
A huge thank you to everyone involved – performers, volunteers, donors, and attendees – for helping to make this such a special occasion and a great ending to the year.
Dates of January events:
Cancer Cafe – Monday January 12th – 3-30 to 5-30pm – Hub on Rye Hill
Tilling, Tea and Cake: Saturday January 17th – 10-12pm – Tilling Green Community Hall.
Winchelsea, Tea and Cake: Wednesday January 28th – 10-12pm – Winchelsea Beach Community Hall.
