Isle of Wight News on Ventnor Blog

vinvolved has been designed by and for young people to make volunteering a compelling choice for all 16-25 year olds in England by tapping into their passions and concerns. The charity aims to change the image of volunteering and make it a ‘must-have’ part of young people’s lives.

vcashpoint is the funding initiative offering young people the cash they need to turn their ideas for volunteering projects into a reality.

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The Park Centre in Ryde will be holding their Christmas Arts and Crafts Fayre this weekend.

Featuring “The Crafty Lot”, there’ll be ceramics, textiles, jewellery, jigsaws, photography and much more.

If you’re just starting to gather Christmas presents, this could be well worth a visit.

Taking place at The Park Centre in High Park Road, Ryde, the sale opens at 11am and runs til 4pm.

50p entrance also gets you a raffle ticket.

Image: Papier-mâché poultry at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco taken byE.T.. Not for sale in Ryde, just thought it looked good!

There are 9 million people in the UK who are deaf or hard of hearing.

If you have a problem with hearing or know someone else who has and would welcome some advice, members of the RNID will be on hand to offer help in a couple of weeks time.

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Winchester House is now hosting it’s very own monthly Tea Dance with High Tea.

Our first event will be held on Wednesday 15th October 2008 between 2:30pm-4:00pm.

Come along for a nice cup of Tea and a cream scone. We also have a selection of tasty sarnies on offer.

We searched across the Island for local talent and have chosen some delightful entertainment for the first Tea Dance.

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Starting tomorrow and for the next week, you might notice more cyclists on the roads and cycle paths around the Wight.

That’s because the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is upon us once again.

It kicks off tomorrow at 11am with the unusual Sink or Swim event whereby, entrants have to navigate a pedal-powered vessel across the Medina without sinking. It takes place at Seaclose Park and is expected to attract quite a crowd as spectactors watch the event from the riverside.

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Thanks to the Freshwater Lifeboat people who sent us today another tale of rescuing people at sea. A great example of volunteers giving their time to the community. – Ed. As ever, if you have Island news, just get in touch.

At 18:21 Friday 15th August Coastguard paged Freshwater Lifeboat and alerted them that a mobile phone call had been received from a sailing dingy or small yacht which was in difficulty about 1 mile off Brighstone.

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Exciting news reaches us that The Park Centre Project charity, which is based in Ryde are to launch a new events programme called ‘Acoustics at the Altar’.

Acoustics at the Altar will aim to bring great quality music to alternative venues in Ryde, and in the process raise cash and awareness of the charity and hopefully spread some love at the same time.

For their first gig on the 19th October, in association with the Arts Unit’s Hog the Limelight Scheme, they’ve managed to book the fantastic Gordon Giltrap, a musician well versed in acoustics. In fact he has been described as one of the UK’s most celebrated guitarists and Brian May calls him a ‘Legend’.
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Ryde Theatre has got some cracking gigs lined up for the remainder of the year and September’s Shoom outing is no exception.

Step back about fifteen years with legendary DJ Cylob topping the bill. According to the Shoomsters, Cylob had his big break back in 1993 when his demo was picked up by Aphex Twins. His DJ set is guaranteed to rock the dance floor, as he seamlessly mixes acid house and rave classics alongside his own tunes and afx style electronica.
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Following on from yesterdays post about the upcoming Hip Hop weekend at The Venue which kicks off on Friday, we bring you details of the Saturday lineup.

If you’re a hip hop fan, then you’re in for a real treat as Ryde Theatre welcomes the Wild Style/Cold Crush Brothers Tour to the Island.

We’re talking old school here, Charlie Chase (pictured right with his crew 25 years ago) is a legendary DJ who was at the forefront of the birth of hip hop in New York City in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Along with his Cold Crush MC’s, Charlie was one of the best known DJ’s on the scene and he’s flying over the pond to celebrate the re-launch of the 1981 hip hop film, Wildstyle in which Charlie played himself.
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Our friends up north, Happy Feet Productions, have teamed up with Bring The Noise from over the water to bring you the very finest in UK and US hip hop this coming weekend.

It all kicks off on Friday night with the Happy Feet/Bring The Noise UK Hip Hop Special featuring Ghost, Kashmere and Verb T.

If like me, you’ve not heard of any of the above, according to the promoters of the event, Ghost is a hip-hop producer and DJ of over ten years experience. He’s developed his blueprint of hip hop with a nod to the past and an eye firmly on the future.
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If you’re a fan of Island band Goodbye Stereo (and we know they have a great following) then today you’re in for a treat, as they perform twice in one day.

First up, they’ll be on the Platform One stage at White Air (on stage at noon).

The quality of bands playing the Platform One stage has been superb, with one playing every hour from 12-6pm each day.

Goodbye Stereo will then be playing again in the evening as part of the recently established, Progression Session at The Venue, Ryde Theatre.
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Kicking off the Scooter weekend at Ryde Theatre tonight are twelve piece soul-punk band, This Is Seb Clarke. Check out the video below to get an idea of what they’re like. The footage is from 2006 (not 1966).

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Well done to organisers of The Progression Sessions who held their first session last night at Ryde Theatre.

We hear the gig went well, with The Chancers, Cooly Haste and Barnsy collaborating on stage and new tracks well received.

You can hear interviews with the musicians on Isle of Wight Radio on Sunday between 7-10pm and maybe some world exclusives of new Chancers tracks.

So tune into 102/107fm on Sunday night. Details of next weeks Progression Session coming up later today.

[image courtesy of The Venue]

Been a bit tied up with things today (including a very interesting meeting with the planning department -and the selectively mute architect Duncan Gaylor – more on that later – on the site of St Joseph’s in Madeira Road), so I’m late in getting this reminder out.

But don’t forget that Zoe and Rob will be doing an acoustic duo at King Harry’s Bar in Shanklin tonight. [Update: apologies to anyone who went down there expecting to hear acoustic guitar, my mistake, Rob was, of course, in possession of a Roland keyboard - not guitar]

Should be kicking off about 9ish.

Free entrance and a night of selective covers including some original versions of Beatles and Dylan songs.

Don’t forget that the first of the new Progression Sessions kicks off tomorrow night at Ryde Theatre.

These are weekly gigs for Island bands taking place at Ryde Theatre.

It’ll cost you less than a pint of beer to get in (in advance) and the bands get interviewed by IW Radio and featured on the ‘Live & Local’ programme on Sunday nights between 7-10pm.

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If you’re heading off to Bestival this year and feel the need to get warmed up beforehand (and I’m not talking about the cardi competition), you might want to head over to Quay Arts on Thursday 6th September.

As part of the Quay Arts Cinema, a film created by a Beastie Boys audience is on the bill.

The film was created at the king of hip hops Madison Square Garden gig on 9th October 2004. The band handed handed out 50 video cameras to the audience and these newly appointed cameramen, dotted around the stadium, were given one simple instruction: just keep shooting!

By capturing the energy and excitement of the live performance and the reaction of the crowds, this sounds surely makes for a fantastic film and a great way to start the weekend early.

Tickets are only £4 and the film starts at 7.30pm. Sure to be a popular choice, probably best to call the box office to book your tickets pronto (01983 822490).

Bits and Bobs:
(Documentary / USA-Canada / 2006 / 90 mins/ Cert 15)
Directed by Adam Yauch and Starring The Beastie Boys

Don’t forget that Quay Arts director, Mick Smith will be playing live piano soundtrack tonight to black and white sumptuous melodrama, Piccadilly.

Taking place in the Anthony Minghella Theatre, it sounds like it should be a really interesting event and will only cost you four quid to get in.

Starts at 7.30 sharp and don’t forget that you can buy drinks in the bar and take them with you into the theatre.

As we reported back at the beginning of August, the IW Cycling Festival kicks off on Saturday 15th September.

We’ve just heard that ‘celebrity’ gardener, Charlie Dimmock will be at the official launch.

Given that she’ll be present at the sink or swim event where there’ll be lots of water being splashed around, let’s hope it doesn’t turn into a wet t-shirt competition.

Joining Charlie at the launch will be a team of Isle of Wight firefighters who are planning to cycle to the Vatican in Rome for charity and Worldwide Cycling Champion, Tony Doyle MBE.

[Image courtesy of UKTV]

It was postponed last month, but is back again tonight and promises a great lineup.

And on that list are none other than Blank Beats, One Stone (new reggae/dub from some chancer), Carousel Era, I <3 Audrey and Bastila.

On the DJ front, same lineup as before – TS, Bestival DJ Comp winner, Dan Hill, Smithy, and Funkzati.

Don’t forget that the ticket price has dropped to £6 and it is now open to over 16s, rather than the previous over 18s (don’t forget to take your ID with you though).

Yes, don’t forget this Saturday night (18th), Island band, The Chancers will be supporting Leeds funksters, The New Mastersounds.

I know that there will be lots going on on Saturday night (Ventnor Illuminated Carnival and Deep Disc), but this really will be a night worth getting out for.

Tickets for the night are only £10 in advance or £12 on the door which open at 7pm. This is a night not to be missed.

It might be the end of The Development Suite at The Liquid Lounge, but the promoters have their fingers in many pies. They pulled off something potentially bigger and better for Island bands and punters alike.

The Progression Sessions will run every Thursday from 23rd August to end of October and will only cost you £2 (advance) to get in (£5 on the door) at Ryde Theatre.

Gracing the stage for the first gig, fresh from their outing with The New Mastersounds (on the 18th) will be The Chancers.

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Those crazy kids at icandi are certainly pulling the rabbit out of the hat next month, when they take icandi on tour around the Island.

If you want to be part of the action, you’ll need to get a ticket to Ryde (sorry) as they take over The Venue at Ryde Theatre.

With a larger venue to play with, look forward to four live bands as well as Pink Pussycat DJs spinning their favourite funky vinyl.

Playing live will be recent Bestival Island Band Competition winners, Hugo Frusslinky, Finger Monster, Nateley’s Whore and I <3 Audrey.

There’ll be a visual art show by Paul Brown, Kim Purton, Rachel Berry and Kitty Linnington.

As usual, expect the icandi text screen, icandi paint rally, punters gallery (yes, you can take part too), vinyl collectors shop (That Shop, Cowes).

Tickets are only a fiver (what a bargain) and available from Ryde Theatre.

Following the recent last minute postponement of Shindig, we’re pleased to hear that Char is now back in the helm and raring to go.

The night of great live bands and DJs with visuals has been rearranged and will now be taking place Friday next week (17th) at Ryde Theatre.

Even better, the ticket price has dropped to £6 and it is now open to over 16s, rather than the previous over 18s (don’t forget to take your ID with you though).

So who’s on the list? Blank Beats, One Stone (top reggae/dub from some chancer), Carousel Era, Goodbye Stereo, I <3 Audrey and one other to be confirmed.

On the DJ front, same lineup as before – TS, Bestival DJ Comp winner, Dan Hill, Phil Smith, Funkzati and Lucho.

Get your tickets either online at Ryde Theatre or by calling on (01983) 568099.

It’s very sad to hear that last nights gig at The Liquid Lounge may have been the last for The Development Suite at that particular venue.

Despite the hard work, dedication and support from local bands, the organisers (basically Rick) have hit a brick wall with the LL management and have decided to cancel all future gigs there.

They will look around for other venues, but for now any gigs listed to play at The Liquid Lounge as part of The Development or Alternative Suite will not take place there.
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The Development Suite at The Liquid Lounge presents Jacuna tonight.

We know they’ve lots of fans out there, so if you fancy a cheap night, listening to one of your favourite bands play live, head over to Ryde.

Kicks off around 9ish and is free to get in.

Support your local musicians and support your local venues.

PS. No beach huts were damaged in the making of this photo.