I wish everyone in Ryde and Isle of Wight, a very safe and hopeful New Year. It has not been easy over the last year and we face 2022 with some trepidation I am sure. My New Year message is one that highlights the human kindness in our community which manifests in so many ways whether a resident dressing up as a Santa and dashing to raise money for a charity, or cooking an Xmas meal for an elderly neighbour or making sure a resident in real distress accesses the practical support they need. I believe there is strong hope and kindness in Ryde and Isle of Wight that will become even stronger in 2022.
Mayor’s Charity and Deputy Mayor’s Epic Human Advent Calendar
During December, I joined up as Mayor of Ryde with the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jenna Sabine, in appealing for funds from residents to make sure the most vulnerable in the Town received help this winter. Jenna dressed up differently every day from 1st December as a human advent calendar as part of this fund-raising. We do not know the final amount we raised but will publish this shortly. I wish to thank all those who supported us especially Waterside Trust, No 64 Café, No66 Card Shop, Crepe Lovers, The Star, Michelangelo’s, Ryde Town Council, the RUG Band, Monkton Arts Café and Aspire.
Sharing a message of hope with details of two projects to support Ryde residents (onthewight.com)
Ryde Mayor launches Christmas appeal to raise money for the most vulnerable (onthewight.com)
Ryde Mayor’s Boxing Day Swim for vulnerable Isle of Wight homes | Isle of Wight County Press
Merry and Bright a Success and 2022 will have many such community events
The Ryde Merry and Bright evening, organised by the New Carnival Company, was a fantastic event with 1000s safely coming into Ryde Town Centre. I turned on the Xmas lights with Derek Sandy and the Grinch. This event coincided with late night shopping organised by Ryde Business Association. It really showed off the heart and community spirit of the Town. In 2022, there are a range of exciting community events planned that will bring the Town alive similar to Merry and Bright. These include the Ryde Mardi Gras, Ryde Carnivals, Classic Car Extravaganza, Beach Sports Festival, IW Pride and many more.
Queens Jubilee Pack Building on Cross Street and Shademakers!
Shademakers is a real Ryde success story as they are a local Ryde community company which is internationally well-known and exclaimed for making props for carnivals across the world. In 2022, Shademakers will be leading the Queen’s Jubilee Parade in London. They are now based in the old Packs building on Cross Street and have submitted a million pound plus application to the Arts Council with support from Ryde Town Council, IW Council and Ryde Arts. The building will be renamed the Department and will be a major new Ryde arts venue. Ryde Town Council is working on a number of Jubilee events in the Town and these will be publicised shortly.
Ryde Harbour Upgrade and Renamed Ryde Marina
I went to the launch of the Ryde Town Council plans for Ryde Harbour in 2022 at Ryde Bowls Centre in December as RTC is taking over the Harbour from 1st April 2022 from Isle of Wight Council. The Council will be investing in a full upgrade of the Harbour and surrounding area such as Eastern Gardens. This is terrific news and builds on our 2021 work of getting deckchairs and beach equipment back on our beaches. The Harbour is being renamed Ryde Marina.
Ryde Harbour Purchase Plans Give Green Light – Isle of Wight Radio (iwradio.co.uk)
Isle of Wight Council approves transfer of harbour to Ryde town council | Isle of Wight County Press
Covid19 Pandemic still with us!
The winter is fully with us. Many of you would by now have had the booster, like myself, and some will be waiting for it. The Government has put in restrictions and resources to make sure we all start 2022 boosted up. The reality is Covid is very much still with us and please take care of yourself this winter. Ryde Town Council is continuing to work with Aspire this winter along with other agencies to make sure all Ryde residents get support if needed. Please ring 01983-71620 or 811105 and you will be directed to the right person to help you or email info@aspire.org.uk
