Baron Bassam calls in on ARRCC and blogs his trip

Steve Bassam was accompanied by Sarah Owen, prospective Labour Party parliamentary candidate, and Paul Barlow from the Hastings and Rye Labour Party to their premises at The School Creative Centre in Rye last Friday.

Sarah enjoyed a game of Rummikub with some of the members, whilst Steve had an in depth conversation with Neil Simmons (a member and Trustee) who shared his concerns on how the ‘spare bedroom tax’ might affect his budget.

They then spent time with the elderly Members at Magdala House joining them for biscuits and tea and sharing in their entertainment.

Baron Brighton keeps a blog, or an online diary - read by many influential people in the Labour Party.

Following his visit he wrote: “Perhaps my most inspiring visit came recently in Rye. Not natural Labour territory you might think.

“But beyond its twee, narrow cobbled streets, it’s like other communities with its own challenges.

“Sarah Owen was keen to show case local projects. One of these was ARRCC - Activities, Respite, Rehabilitation, Care Centres.

“Over a hundred Rye residents benefit from the services they provide in a now redundant school building, which the project has transformed into workshops and office space. The activities that users can access are terrific: from tapestry, mural and model making through to learning to fish, garden and horse driving. On an annual turnover of less than £500,000 and with a mix of full and part time staff plus volunteers, the lives of an otherwise neglected group of wonderful people are made more fulfilling.”