The Rotunda in the Royal Victoria Arcade, Union Street, has been given a new lease of life by the installation of 12 paintings by local artists depicting the 12 months of the year. The transformation is stunning and adds something special to this beautiful building. This was inspired by an original etching of the Arcade that showed images in the rotunda panels, which eventually took 175 years to come to fruition.

After a year of planning, painting, promotion, pain and praise, the day finally dawned - the scaffolding was delivered to the Royal Victoria Arcade, the paintings ready. There was nothing to stop the beginning of the end - and it began! Mick, Tony and John erected the tower in record time, and when Andy and Adam from Warrens Displays Limited arrived at 6 o'clock on Saturday 8th January, everything was ready. They measured the first panel and cut a cardboard template to size, but there was an unforeseen problem....the panels are concave both vertically and horizontally, which had not been considered! Move to Plan 2! Due to three of the images having to be re-scanned, there were 3 extra sheets available, and it was decided to use one of those as a second template, as this is the material which would be installed. The template was duly cut and offered up. At this stage Claire Kay of Eve Designs Ltd  and I Love Ryde was having kittens because she had produced the design layout for each of the images and had worried that they would be fractionally too big, luckily this wasn't the case!

Amazed at how easily the board splits after being scored, we watched as December was fitted into place. The colours work beautifully against the white and green paint of the rotunda ceiling, and December sat there in solitary splendour overnight, as it had taken two and a half hours for the first installation. We went home excited that the process had begun, and greatly looking forward to seeing the others installed very soon, after a year's anticipation. The process resumed the following afternoon. Surprisingly, the template showed that there is not such a great difference in the size of the various panels, and Andy and Adam were able to make subtle adjustments to the boards with apparent ease. Within three hours, another six panels were in place, and they truly lift the whole space to another level.

Due to time constraints the final 6 images were put up on 12th and 13th January, after the adhesive ran out. There was a bit of drama when one of the images decided to move which required a bit of extra glue, but it was soon back in place.

It is a real pleasure to see all the images in place and I hope that they will encourage locals and visitors to come and see what a beautiful building the Arcade is. More exciting this are planned for the Arcade with a Museum/Heritage centre opening in late spring in time for the 175th anniversary celebrations that take place over the first weekend of July.

Photographs of the whole process can be seen on the Historic Ryde Society Gallery page - Rotunda Images.

Article by Diana Wood & Claire Kay

Photograph and Article courtesy of Richard Wright County Press Nov 5th 2010.

Retired Graphic designer Jeff Please spent his dream holiday fund on putting some pride in Ryde.

Jeff, 65, of Garfield Road, in the town, splashed out £2,000 on a mayoral chain - money he had been planning to spend on train and bus journeys across America. Fed up with the mayor having no proper badge of office, he commissioned the unique silver chain, which was designed and made by Menna Morey, of G&M Jewellery, Ryde.

"I'd saved up the money for a holiday I was going to take when I retired because I have never been abroad," said Jeff.
"But when I saw the Mayor Brian Harris with his so called badge, that looked like a wine coaster with a bit of paper on it, I felt ashamed of my town and decided to do something about it."

He decided to cut through red tape, commissioned designs from G&M and got the approval of a town council sub-committee for his favourite design.
"Menna incorporated two creatures of Victorian whimsey designed into the original cast ironwork on Ryde Pier, so the badge has a real association with the history of the town, as I do," said Jeff.
 

"They are creatures unique to the town and they have now been dubbed Rydeosaurus because of their appearance.
I wanted the Mayor to have a badge so people would know who he was and so it could be shown off at the town's Remembrance Day parade," he said.

Creation of the new Ryde chain follows refusal of the IW Council to hand over to the town council historic Borough of Ryde chain of office, which dates back to 1868, and which passed to it on local government reorganisation.
The new chain was presented by former Mayor Wayne Whittle to current holder of the office, Cllr Harris. His consort, his wife, and mayor's cadet Sam Smith both received badges.

Cllr Harris said: "The IW Council might have legal ownership of the old chain but we are definitely the moral owners because in our opinion it still belongs to the people of Ryde.
But, thanks to Mr Please, G&M and engraving by 'English Pete' Harris, we have a chain that will proudly adorn mayors of the town for the next 200 or 300 years,complete with its Rydeosaurs, Vicky and Berie."

Ryde had a particularly bad day today 9th November 2010, due to very heavy rainfall that started yesterday evening and carried on through the night until the rush hour. The heavy rain in the region of 80mm rendered many roads around Ryde to become impassable, causing major disruption to bus routes, schools and people getting to work.

During the morning West Hill and East HIll Road, Ashey Road, Binstead Road and Puckpool hill were closed to traffic due to flooding. Having driven from Ryde to Newport during the rush hour I was horrified at the number of Cars who sped through road flooding, causing waves to encrouch on peoples gardens and houses, and cause their cars to grind to a halt, due to water flooding their car engines. Many local bus routes were suspended, some schools were closed and a number of houses and businesses in Ryde were flooded.

The worst affected area was The Strand and Simeon Street where many basement flats were still lying under water late this afternoon, although the Fire Brigade were working at full pelt to try and pump out the properties affected. Simeon Street  and Monkton street also were affected very badly with many houses being flooded. I spoke to Ian from Strings who had come to open his shop in the morning only to find it flooded, he was very lucky as all of his equipment was kept off the floor. Others weren't so lucky, one resident had their basement flooded and had to throw out damaged furniture. I was shown one flat in the basement of the Teneriffe Hotel development where the wooden floor and carpet was floating as if in midair due to floodin gof over 3ft of water. These basement flats were completely wreaked. Island Printers in East Street was flooded as were other local businesses.

I noticed a number of regulars at the Simeon Street Arms having a pint in the usual British Spirit of "Carry on Regardless"!!

The Police, Fire Brigade and Environment Agency had been working in this area since around 04.00hrs with some Fire Brigade officers having done a double shift to help man the pumps. The Esplanade near Cornwall Slip was covered in rows of pipes running from the Strand and Simeon Street pumping the water into the sea. Unfortunatley the high North East wind didn't help when High Tide hit Ryde, it caused a back wash of water, which made the services efforts even more difficult.

The Train Tunnel at Ryde Esplande looked more like a Canal rather than a train track as it was about 20 ft under water their was a train stranded at the Esplanade Station, and trains were having to terminate at St. John's Road, due to the flooding of Monkton Mead and the Simeon Street Recreation ground.

To see more Photographs of the Flooding in Ryde visit our Flickr pages here

The Government has helped broker a new deal between charities and music creators on the music licensing system.

From now on, a public venue, including those used by a charity or not-for-profit organisation, where music is played from records, CDs, the radio or television will now require a licence from both PPL and PRS for Music. These organisations collect and distribute royalties on behalf of copyright holders such as composers, lyricists, music publishers, record companies and musicians.

The new system will be fair for both musicians and charities. Those involved in creating music will be rewarded for their work while a package of measures have been agreed to protect charities from excessive costs.

In July 2008 the Government carried out a consultation into amending this legislation. In November last year the then Government responded to the consultation by saying it would reform the licensing system.

This was followed by more than 18 months of negotiations with PPL and charity representatives.

Since May this year it has been agreed that:

• Charities will be exempt from paying for a PPL licence for the first year giving them 12 months to prepare for the change
• The lowest tariff of £40 a year has been extended to cover more than 60 per cent of the buildings where voluntary groups meet instead of only 30 per cent of buildings
• The licence for community buildings has been extended to cover outdoor events like village fetes and carnivals
• The vast majority of charity shops will pay the lowest tariff of £54 a year
• The charity shop licence will cover back offices as well as the shop floor.

Charities will not face more red tape and bureaucracy. PPL and PRS for Music will create a single licensing system so organisations will only have to make one application.

Ministers have carefully examined the issues, looking at the results of the consultation and the months of negotiations between charities, not-for-profit organisations and PPL.

A statutory instrument ending the exemption was laid in Parliament today.

Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd said:

"We have worked hard to ensure that charities, particularly small organisations and charity shops, get extra protection and that the impact of any changes is minimised.

"It will be difficult to satisfy everyone but we have achieved a fairer balance between the need to reward musicians for their work and the need to protect charities from excessive costs and additional bureaucracy.

"In addition, we hope that the agreed delay in implementing these changes will give the whole sector time to prepare and will allow discussions to continue."

Intellectual Property Minister Baroness Wilcox said:

"The major aspects of the new licensing system have been addressed. The new system creates a balance between musicians and charities.

"Charities have been fully consulted throughout this process. The new licensing arrangements are balanced, just, and fair."

Charities and not-for-profit organisations will not begin paying until next year allowing time for further discussions.

A new way to address complaints will be created by PPL. If organisations believe they have been treated unfairly, they will be able to appeal to a new independent reviewer.

PPL will operate the same voluntary exceptions as PRS for Music - at family occasions such as weddings, religious services, on hospital wards and for medical therapy.

October 2010

Saturday 9th October - welcomes the first of our monthly Arts and Crafts sales. From 12pm at the Centre, there’ll be: home-made bunting, Rowland Glaysher’s art, cushions, basket arrangements, bags, dolls furniture, jewellery, wildlife photography and images from WightMagik photography. Free entry. – If you’d like to book a table to sell your arts and crafts, please call: 611913.

Monday 11th October Open Afternoon - for Basic Numeracy Skills. If maths has never been your strong point and you’d like to learn a little bit more, and maybe reach a Level 2 (like a GCSE) in an informal class, with a small group of people, come along! Speak with tutor Rosemary Hill, have a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit! You never know, it might be just what you’re looking for!

Starting Friday 15th October: Basic Book-keeping course Perfect if you’re thinking of, or have started a new business or community group. Topics covered will be: All procedures up to month end, bank and purchase ledger reconciliation and control accounts (if time permits) – Cost is £55 (over £100 cheaper than other similar courses on the Island)

COMING SOON!! The Thrifty Fifties Experience - A 12 week set of fun arts and crafts based workshops with a Fifties theme, bought to you by Island Creations. Lots of interesting hints and tips, free energy saving/Eco handouts each week – lots of giggles, the tutors will be in their 50’s get-up! Call us for more information: 611913.

Adult Mime and Drama Classes - will also be running at the Community Centre very soon. Come along and have some fun! Further details will be available shortly on our website: www.theparkcentre.org.uk

Rainbows, Guides and Brownies - groups all welcome new members. From 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon, starting with Rainbows. If you’d like any further info, let us know!

New class started at the Centre is Tiny Talk - this is sign language for toddlers, learn to communicate with your little ones before speech. Fabulous techniques and fun to learn!

Caterpillar Music - for Children - runs on a Saturday Morning…why not pop in and see what it’s all about?

Our one-to-one computer tutor - is now welcoming new bookings. So far this year she has taught 132 sessions to people of all ages…they are all now successfully using computers. So if you're 19 – 90 (or older!) and have been wondering what the internet is all about, give us a call!

computer repair service - is now in its 3rd year of operation. Dave our IT technician is really quite clever!! If you’re having any probs with your laptops or PC’s – give Dave a call, if he can talk you through a problem he will, if not, he’ll repair your PC and extremely reasonable rates!

Our hall and rooms are available to hire privately, for parties, meetings and other functions. The cost is just £10 per hour.

Telephone: 01983 611913
Email: cora@theparkcentre.org.uk

There is a scam in which an Asian sounding person phones to tell people that they are from microsoft and can tell that your computer has hundreds of viruses that is slowing it down and causing problems to other user in the area. They go on to say that they will log on remotely and clean it up for 150 pounds. They ask for some computer details and log into the computer with some remote access software.

In the instance I know of, at the end, the chap was asked for another £4 because the girlfriend of the caller was stuck in India without any calling credit and couldn't call home. Our friend then realised that he had given the guy his details to bill him 150 pounds and that this must be a scam. The caller later called back asking him for another £90 for a full years support. He didn't fall for that.

It may be worth circulating this on neighborhood watch. Many people have cluttered pc's that are running slow and would fall for this. Of course, the number calling is withheld..........

This happened to a friend of ours. My husband went and de-installed the software for remote access that the caller had installed remotely (with the co-operation of the victim) and the friend canceled his credit card and got a new one.

Laura and I have added a complete new section to I Love Ryde, called "I Love Seaview". This pretty village a short drive or 30 minute stroll away from Ryde, is perfect for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Ryde.

We were commissioned to produce a flyer for the village promoting some of the businesses and show casing the quality of life, this leaflet is available as a download, we hope that you will take the time to visit Seaview when you come to Ryde.

What wonderful news Ryde will be having it's own Heritage Audio Trail that will enhance the visitors time spent in this wonderful historic town.

The Heritage Audio trail has been produced by a number of Ryde Social Heritage members who have spent many hours researching and compilingsome fun and interesting pieces of local history.

There are serious concerns about Government’s decision to repeal exemptions set out in the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, which mean charitable groups and other not-for-profit organisations are not required to obtain a music licence from PPL (Phonographic Performance LTD) and  the Performing Rights Society (PRS) if they wish to play recorded music

The Government’s own figures suggest this change will cost voluntary and community organisations up to £20 million more a year. This is an incredible amount of money, which can only be met by funds earmarked for charitable purposes.

This is also likely to affect a broad array of community organisations: village halls, churches, care homes, charity shops, youth clubs, carnival groups and carnival associations, scouts and guides associations and bingo halls.

This is another stelth tax that has crept up, it is really important that as many people sign the petition asking the government to recondsider this as the implications are very serious for community groups right across the board.

The bigest effect these new regulations will have is on the running of the Ryde Arts Festival and its' parade, Ryde Regatta, and the 3 Ryde Carnivals as well as the many church fetes that are held in the Ryde area. The costs of the licences could put a halt to these wonderful free public entertainments, which could have a knock on effect on the economics of our town.

You can sign the petition online here:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/dontstopthemusic/

You can also join the FaceBook group here
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=274770375866

You can read more information about the new regulations here:
http://www.ppluk.com/en/News--Events/Archived-News/PPL-and-PRS-for-Music-announce-joint-licensing-scheme/

http://www.ppluk.com/en/Music-Users/Information-for-Charities/

Signed
A very grumpy carnival artist!

The exciting news that the Ryde International Film Festival Isle of Wight, website went live this week. This is excellent news for Ryde as it helps put our lovely town even more into the international spotlight.

Ryde International Film Festival is accepting film entries from both loacl film makers as well as submissions from around the world. They even have a special mobile telephone video entry that is free, the only cost to the public is the cost of sending the clip to the Festivals two mobile telephone.

If you fancy sending a mobile video clip they are looking for anything funny, it could be based on a favourite sceen from a film, or that all time one liner. The aim is to show as many of these clips on th ebig screen.

So get your video cameras out, or dust down that mobile phone,  write a script, make your film, burn to DVD or text it to us. They will show a short clip of all submissions on the website at Ryde International Film Festival Isle of Wight. Check out the rules and regulations, the submissions page and have a go.