We have lift off ! …………
Well actually, we don’t!
I am sure everyone was on tenterhooks, on the grid, in the starting blocks, on the launch-pad ,just waiting for the ending of restrictions. But quite rightly the authorities have told us to contain ourselves for just a little longer. All of the groups and individuals whose leisure ac-tivities are centred around the Riverside Arts Centre were poised for “The Off“ but their enthusiasm is not dampened by this further delay even though once again plans have had to be adjusted. One event defi-nitely going ahead is the visit of HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mi-chael More-Molyneux at 2.30pm on the afternoon of Wednesday14th July, for the long overdue presentation of the Queen‘s Award for Vol-untary Service. This is a public presentation, but the actual format is not clear because of the extended lockdown restrictions. If you are interested in attending, contact Riverside for the latest information. That same day the Annual General Meeting of the Riverside Arts Centre Ltd will take place at 8pm in the Main Hall, in a secure environment. Again, contact us for the latest information on this if you wish to attend. Riverside Jazz have already held one of their popular Sunday Jazz concerts and their next is going ahead on July11th (moodindigoevents.co.uk) for tickets and information. In the spring Riverside Players (RPoS) held a playwriting competition, with a high standard of entries. The independent panel of 3 judges declared Caroline Millinger winner of the short sketch category with “Hold Still ”. First prize for the one-act play section was for “Star of Wonder” by Richard Fordyce. For full details of other prize winner and details of all RPoS activities go their website. Olwen Holme, the chairman of RPoS tells me that with a full programme of on-stage drama, pantomime, festivals and filming planned until late 2022 she is particularly keen to recruit new directors and off-stage crew. Contact via their website www.riversideplayersofsunbury.org.uk for more information. Looking ahead our re-opening showcase, from September 19th to the 26th, will be an opportunity for you to sample some of the amazing live events that happen at the Riverside, together with information on many of the activities in which you can participate throughout the year. See p18 in this magazine full details of the events, and get ready to book your tickets, because space will be limited. The showcase week will also help to replenish the coffers of your local arts centre whose finances have been devastated dur-ing the pandemic. Another supportive event is in October when our piano group are fundrais-ing with a “Playathon”. Details and sponsorship www.gofundme.com/f/rac-playathon-oct-2930-2021There is so much to see and do at the Riverside so why not get out and about this au-tumn ? Learn an instrument, or how to paint or dance, listen to music, discuss literature or po-etry, release your artistic skills, keep-fit, or fulfil that