Future is securefor well loved local charity

The well supported charity provides rehabilitation and activities for disabled adults in the Rye area.

It was facing uncertainty after being forced to move from its Rye Hospital base, at the top of Rye Hill due to Rye Health and Care’s planned expansion of the hospital complex.

But Rye School Creative Centre came to the rescue offering the charity space at the former Freda Gardham School they use in New Road.

Last week saw the new ARRCC Centre officially opened by Rye East Sussex County Councillor Keith Glazier, in a ceremony that was also attended by the Mayors of both Rye and Winchelsea.

ARRCC has already been getting used to its new home with successful open days earlier this month, which included exhibitions of artwork by users of the charity.

Irna Mortlock, from ARRCC, said: “After 12 happy years at Kiln Drive, Rye Foreign, local Rye charity ARRCC has now re located to The School Creative Centre, New Road, Rye.

“Councillor Keith Glazier of E.S.C.C. performed the opening ceremony on Wednesday December 5 at 2pm.

“Retiring ARRCC chairman Jack Hemmings thanked Rye Health and Care for their support over the years.

“After extensive re furbishment ARRCC members, staff and volunteers are delighted to be part of this exciting and innovative Centre.

“Mr Hemmings, who will remain on the Board as Treasurer, thanked Ian Ross, from The School, for his assistance in making ARRCC’s move so effortless.

“Many local dignitaries gave up their time to be at the opening ceremony, including the Mayor of Winchelsea, the Mayor of Rye, the Deputy Mayor of Rye, the Chairman of Rother Council, and local councillors.

“The Open Days on the 5th and 6th December were very well supported and the homemade Christmas goodies and Raffle raised over £830 for the charity.

A new fund raising committee has been formed and is planning a number of new and exciting events for 2013.

As well as providing a new base for ARRCC, Rye School Creative Centre is home to a number of artists, who have studio space on the site, and has a growing reputation as an important centre for the arts. Many of the artists based there exhibit regularly in London and Europe.

It is also used to run creative workshops for young people in the area and to stage theatre productions.