Following on from the AGM on 25th August 2025, the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Society took place.
Society President Lynne Woollard in her speech made special mention of the founding members who, along with Pauline Powell, were Prue Found, Dorothy Houghton, Lew Cornish, Alan Martin, Gwen Hatton, Danny Jennings, Ern Jennings, Linda Berndt, Bill Goodrem, Judy Stokes, Jane Bainbridge, Barry Irvine and Marie Williams. Lynne mentioned many of the things that Pauline Powell had been responsible for since founding the Society in 2000, including the work she (and her team) had done to start the Society, the Rye Tapestries Pauline had commissioned to celebrate Rye’s 150th, the bequest enabling the purchase of the professional display cases for the Museum and much more. The Society certainly owes a debt of gratitude to Pauline, as without her the Society would not exist.
Lynne recapped various events of the last 25 years and finished her speech by emphasising the Society’s commitment to expanding its membership and continuing its work to preserve the history of Rye for future generations. Lynne thanked everyone for their commitment and assistance over the last 25 years.
Guest speaker and Rye Primary School Principal, Lachie Featherston, highlighted the positive outcomes of the Society’s close relationship with the School. The co-location of the Society and the School has fostered a strong community bond, with students sometimes visiting the Old Schoolhouse to learn about Rye’s history.
Lachie proposed a toast to the future of the Society and Nepean Ward Councillor Andrea Allen did the honours of cutting the cake. Councillor Allen was also given a special tour of the Old Schoolhouse and said how delighted she was to take part in the celebrations.
