By James Ford-Bannister and David Young
It takes two to tango………………….
but not necessarily to cha cha, waltz, or foxtrot if you join one of ballroom dance classes on Thurs-day evenings whose leader, Clare, has developed some fun ways of learning basic steps whilst main-taining social distancing. Many of the other groups at Riverside have been equally innovative in find-ing ways of keeping going, so don’t assume there is nothing going on. Enquire about your particular interest today. The Riverside is a Covid secure venue and each organisation holding any sort of event or class has to prepare a detailed risk assess-ment for approval by our Management, so you can visit knowing that every precaution against Covid infection has been taken.
In October we saw the first live show since March when IAMT staged their Senior Showcase in The Studio with many young people demonstrating their talents to friends and families. IAMT also plan to present “LIFT the musical from 29th to 31st October. Our resident youth group, Riverside Youth Theatre, have unfortunately not been able to
find a way to safely stage their December produc-tion. However they have been remaining very ac-tive, running workshops of less than 15 in different rooms. These have included such things as improv-isation and acting for TV or screen and musical theatre. Not to mention three entries into the virtual Drama Festival; all created, produced and filmed by the youngsters themselves. For the first time for many years there will not be a pantomime this Christmas. Panto requires much interaction be-tween many actors and dancers so even if one could devise a way of rehearsing in smaller bub-bles, a single case of the virus would demand quar-antine of everyone involved. The annual panto costs bout £4000 to stage so with no guarantee that come January audiences would wish, or be allowed to attend, that is an amount of money no group could put at risk. Riverside Players are determined to stage a live show however containing many elements of pantomime, so watch for details.
Mood Indigo continue their monthly series of Jazz concerts in the main hall with the next one on No-vember 1st. These concerts always feature some top-rate musicians and the recent Tribute to Chet Baker evening was exceptionally good. “Excellent music, perfectly played, a real jazz atmosphere, cheap drinks, why haven’t I been here before ?” said one attendee. As well as the live concerts there are regular streamings of on-line jazz. See their website for details.
With the a new art and calligraphy class on Wednesdays there are so many opportunities for artists of all capabilities, mediums and interests. See our listing of groups in “Riverside presents” elsewhere in Village Matters.
Riverside is run by volunteers for the benefit of the local community and we are pleased to welcome two members to our administrative team. Nesli Bennett has taken on the job of Bookings Secre-tary, a very demanding role in juggling reserva-tions for our activities, whilst Marian Richards is now our Membership Secretary. Both of them been associated with RAC for some years and as Marga-ret, who moved from the area in 2010, said I just want to help to help
maintain this important part of the local communi-ty. Perhaps you could offer your services in some small way ? Administration, light maintenance work, helping with youth groups, assisting in the bar. There is a job for you !
View our website to see in what you could be participating in your spare time. To keep up to date with the latest happenings go to www.riversidearts.co.uk where you can view “Events” under the ‘What can I go and see’ tab or “Activities” under the ‘What can I join ?’ In case of difficulty call 01784 452589