A new dawn, a new hope, a new America, etc

A shift away from Conservatism, it's Obama what won it. The number of seats makes it look like a proper drubbing, Barack Obama winning two for each one that John McCain did, and it wasn't close like George W Bush's controversial win, but it looked like a good fight. The win was called at about 4am our time, I did not stay up for it. The excitement and expectation puts me in mind of another election, when Tony Blair won in 1997, I did stay up and watch the votes come in that day.

John McCain comes out of this looking very good, far better than many of his supporters, gracious in defeat and just looking like a decent chap. In the final series of the West Wing, did the winner not offer the losing candidate (naming no character names, unless you're still watching it) a place in his cabinet? That's what Obama should do. Somewhere out of harm's way though, not in control of gun or abortion laws.

Hmm, nothing much to say about this really have I? Just thought I ought to mark it, it's momentous.

Good luck Mr Obama, you're going to need it to live up to the expectation of the people.



In other momentous news, Clare finally got a new phone, it's got GPS built in and motion detection and things, looks nice. I beat the credit crunch by finally changing my phone contract, I'm on a ten pounds a month deal now, instead of the twenty five that I've been needlessly paying for the last couple of years. I never use my phone anyway, but if I phone / text you less now, that's why.

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George Inn (Rye) August newsletter

This month we're delighted to announce the launch of 'the george dragons', the new privilege card from The George in Rye. Become a dragon, and you'll get exclusive monthly discounts and offers that you can take advantage of as many times as you like. It’s free to join and you can sign up for your card online, here.

Lots of you enjoy visiting the beautiful and unusual gardens of Great Dixter when you're here. When we found out that their head gardener Fergus Garrett runs Garden Study Days we seized the chance to team up with them. Book a place on one of Fergus' fun and practical tutorials (upcoming events include Exotic Gardening, and a day on how to choose the best plants) and you receive a special Room Rate which includes Breakfast and Dinner, starting from £150 per room. Look here for more on Garden Study Breaks at The George in Rye. In any case, the Dahlias are out at Great Dixter right now in full force, so head over to take a look as they really are quite something.

If you're more of a bibliophile, you'll enjoy The Rye Arts Festival in September, which attracts some of our most celebrated writers and artists. We are hosting five events for this year's festival, ranging from live music to readings and illustrated talks. The highlight: join Louis de Bernieres and Ilone Antonius-Jones (right) on Friday 19th September for a lovely afternoon listening to their charming music interspersed with jewels from Louis' new, compelling and deeply moving love story, A Partisan's Daughter. More on this, and other Rye Arts Festival events, here.

If you're feeling glum from the wet summer, take heart from the bottom picture which shows me (Alex) and brave (or foolish) friends of The George getting soaked at the annual Rye Raft Race, a local tradition where you make a raft, set sail down the River Rother, and pray to God that you won't sink.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Best Wishes

Alex and Katie Clarke

The George in Rye
www.thegeorgeinrye.com

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The George in Rye July newsletter

We've been rather quiet on the newsletter front lately, having been nominated for UK Newcomer of the Year in the CATEY Awards, the Oscars of the Restaurant and Hotel world (sadly, the ceremony was not in LA). This award has previously been won by the likes of Tom Aiken, Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay and we were extremely nervous. The awards were this week, and we were very nervous as we were in the final three. We didn't win but it was brilliant to be considered alongside some really respected places. Thanks so much to all of you for your feedback and suggestions since we first opened, which have helped us to improve The George and get it to where it is today!

Fancy cooking has its place, but often the simple things bring the most pride - homemade bread possibly being the best of all (ok, maybe brownies share joint 1st place).

We recently found the Lighthouse Bakery, an independent store set up in 2000 in South London by Rachel Duffield and Elizabeth Weisberg. Their artisan bread has won many plaudits and there was always a queue round the block from people desperate to get their hands on the best croissants, sourdough and baguettes in town. Luckily for us, they moved the bakery to East Sussex last year.

With Elizabeth and Rachel, we are launching the Baker Break - a one night stay where, in addition to room, dinner and breakfast, you get to trot on over to the bakery and participate in a day-long class of your choice. Per person this comes to £240 (based on two sharing) and is available Sunday - Thursday evenings. Weekends are also available at regular room-rates. To find out more, look here.

With holidays approaching fast, Kids go free from now until the end of August when sharing a room, or take advantage of one of our interconnecting rooms for £100 for the kid's room in addition to adults at standard rate. Here's an idea for a lovely day trip near Rye: take bucket and spades down to Camber Sands and mess about on the beach for a while. Then you can go on a boat ride over to the historic Bodiam Castle and explore the battlements, rampart and moat (the kids can also try on a suit of armour). The afternoon is perfect for a miniature steam train ride at Dungeness, and in the evening, head to Hastings Old Town for dodgems on the sea front and some fish and chips, or take a seat at the traditional big-top circus tent in Rye.

That should keep you busy!

Best Wishes

Alex and Katie Clarke

The George in Rye
www.thegeorgeinrye.com

©The George in Rye 98 High Street Rye East Sussex TN31 7JT T 01797 222114 F 01797 224065 E stay@thegeorgeinrye.com

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