We usually share tips on the newsletter about eating, day trips, cultural events, and more eating, but this month, are introducing you to something on the invigorating, dare we say competitive side.

Triathlon fever seems to be taking the nation in its grip, and in June, Rye launches its own version of this great sporting endurance test amongst our beautiful local scenery: from swimming in the sea off Winchelsea to a scenic cycle along the coastal route. It’s partly the brainchild of, err, Alex Clarke who’s wanted to do this for ages, and so The George in Rye are sponsoring the fun which is open to participants of any level (so long as you’re fit enough to get round the circuit). If you’re a triathlon fan, do register to take part and have a go, or come watch and cheer on the participants, perhaps combining some good-will and whooping with the odd duck into a cream tea room for a scone and brew…The event’s happening on the 3rd June and you can find out more and save a space on the triathlon website.

Onto more sedate pursuits, we’re looking forward to the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival which brings world-class musicians to rural East Sussex for four days of magical concerts, and which is the successor to the wonderful Florestan Festival which we’ve often talked about on the newsletter.  Performers for the 2012 lineup, which runs from 14th – 17th June, include the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (pictured, by Chris Christodoulou), Isabelle van Keulen, and Laurence Power of the Leopold String Trio, playing the music of the French masters, Mozart, Beethoven, and the folk-music of Dvořák and Manuel de Falla. One of the venues is Rye’s own Great St Mary’s church, up the hill from The George in Rye, and we anticipate gorgeous music wafting out and through the streets on a midsummer evening. Information on all the concerts is on the festival website – strongly recommended.

If your thing is more visual-spectacular, then on Saturday 23rd June, check out Pi Leau at Hastings’ new Stade open-air performance space. The show comes from Close Act, an internationally acclaimed Dutch street arts company who are promising for this Cultural Olympiad event a water-themed show featuring mermaids, wales, fishermen and other undersea characters, and mixing stagecraft, live music and special effects. We’ve seen some photos from the show’s run in Toronto and it looks AMAZING. It’s a family-themed event for the summer and is completely free, with further details via the 1066 country site.

Finally we are very excited to pass-on word that we have been developing a range of new home-made flavoured spirits which are on offer in the bar including Mint Gin, Coconut Rum and Raspberry Vodka. These are made with natural ingredients and flavourings and make a fabulous gin and tonic, or whatever drink takes your fancy. With summer (hopefully) rearing its head very soon, do stop off for visit to the tap, especially when the sun is shining and the courtyard garden resplendant!

With Best Wishes

Alex & Katie Clarke