Rye restaurantaids the lifeboat

The Ambrette raised more than £700 for their chosen charity the RNLI.

Sue Clay, President of raft Race organisers Rye Lions, presented staff with the silver trophy for the team that raised the most sponsorship.

The Lions were so impressed with the fortitude and bravery of the Ambrette crew that they decided a special award of another trophy was warranted.

The additional large silver salver presented to them is engraved with the message “Rye and District Lions Club Raft Race Special Award 2013. To the Crew of four from the Ambrette Restaurant at Rye.”

Despite capsizing four times, the four man crew finished and raised the highest sponsorship.

Conrad Freezer, from Rye Lions, said: “ Most of this capsizing was due to ramming from larger rafts with many more crew.”

Last Sunday, 84 Lions, partners and guests celebrated Rye Lions 37th Charter Lunch at the Brickwall Hotel, Sedlescombe.

This is their “birthday party” marking the date on which the Club was formed 37 years ago.

Guests included Lions South East District Governor, Mike Parker.

President Sue Clay, said they had experienced one of their most successful years and had raised a total of £14,000 and donated £15,000, much of which went to local good causes. The Raft Race alone raised £8,000.

Rye Lions next fund-raising event will be their Christmas collections outside Jempsons, Peasmarsh and Jempsons Budgens at both Rye and Hawkhurst.