Pebble painting starts for Mary Stanford memorial in Rye Harbour

Mary Stanford memorial pebble painting workshop. Photo by KT Bruce. SUS-190121-153058001

The plan is to create a decorative pebble floor by the side of the Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station to mark the 90th anniversary of the Mary Stanford disaster.

The memorial would see residents and community groups paint the pebbles with unique, nautical designs.

The first pebble painting workshop took place at the Village Hall on Sunday. There was a lovely atmosphere as people were engrossed with creating their individual designs.

One family, which is directly connected to the disaster, was represented by four generations – Betty, Bev, Ria and children – and all enjoyed the painting.

Family members of RNLI crew were joined by the villagers, and Dean and his family, who run the Tuesday night fish and chip van. All contributed to the memorial with innovate designs.

Organiser and RNLI Rye Harbour press office, KT Bruce, said: “A big thank you to Karen Hollister and Amy Hopson who provided pebbles already painted to give inspiration.

“Thank you Tanya, from the village shop, who has been so supportive of this venture and has encouraged people to come along.

Mary Stanford memorial pebble painting workshop. Photo by KT Bruce. SUS-190121-153047001

“Thanks also to Holly and Saul and their family, and Julie, who are also descendants of the crew, and who came along to the second workshop and created some lovely pebbles.

“The local Guides, Brownies and Scouts have workshops next month. I am looking for all the local agencies – fire, police, HM Coastguards, Rother Responders, U3A and other groups – to be part of this community project.”

To register your interest, contact KT Bruce [email protected] to book your workshop.