Bus tribute for RyeTransport volunteer

Rye Community Transport co-ordinator Pat Hughes said: “We held a ceremony for the naming and dedication of the first of the two buses which the 20/20 Appeal is raising money to buy.

“The bus is dedicated to Harry Conlin, a Trustee and much loved driver for Rye Community Transport, who sadly died last April.”

The naming was performed by Harry’s widow Jane.”

At the ceremony, which took place outside Rye Town Hall last Saturday, the bus was blessed by the Reverend Hugh Moseley.

The Mayor of Rye, Cllr Shaun Rogers, who drives for Rye Community Transport and is also a Trustee , received the bus along with John Izod, the Chairman.

They were joined by John Holbrook, chairman of the Rye Fund, and Ann Wood from St Mary’s Parish Church, Rye. Both organisations contributed substantially to the appeal.

Alex Clarke from the George in Rye, another key donor, was unable to be there but sent a bottle of the George champagne so that the bus could be properly toasted.

The naming ceremony followed a spectacular Valentine’s Night Bingo and Burger fundraiser held at the George Hotel.

The event boosted Rye and District Community Transport’s 20/20 Appeal fund by well over £1,000.

Pat Hughes commented: The event, featuring the legendary Timberlina’s Big Bingo Show plus an extraordinary auction, outdid all expectations, and the show and the George’s excellent burgers were thoroughly enjoyed by a sell out audience.”

Rye and District Community Transport plays a vital role in helping elderly people and those with mobility problems to visit shops, attend social functions and keep hospital and GP appointments.

The service is run by volunteers.