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This from Ian Dore, Isle of Wight councillor and Ryde Town Councillors for Binstead. Ed
As a member of Ryde Town Council that supported the Woodland Sessions beach party, here’s some context as to why I came to my conclusion.
From the get go, this is something that will benefit Ryde and Island residents as a whole. Events like this are a gift. Examples? Bestival, Wightair, RhythmTree, Scooter Weekend, Riverfest etc.
All these have been curated by someone, with a vision and a primary goal of creating enjoyment. You don’t have to like them to appreciate, that such events are a good for the Island.
The majority of complaints at the recent council meeting revolved around noise. Having worked with stages and sound systems for over 30 years, when in front of them, they are obviously rather loud. When behind them, guess what? They are not. This event is proposing to hoof the noise out across the Solent, so for the short period of time it runs for, resident disturbance would be minimal.
One of the Councillors brought up the issue of funding. Fair enough, we are all accountable for our decisions and as its tax payers doh ray me, it has to be justified. For this, I believe it is. For one, it has to go through due process. This appears to be lost on some, but has to happen to ensure the appropriate checks and balances are carried out. Only then can it proceed.
Justification also comes with ‘secondary spend’ and how our local community can benefit. Restaurants, hotels, pubs, shops, coffee houses etc will benefit from those attending. In short its kerching for local traders!
Then we have the added prestige this will bring to our fair shores. Ryde is steaming along with some corking events and a lovely new facelift so let’s show it off. This is another diary date that has the potential to achieve national, if not international status. Just like Big Beach Boutique in Brighton and the various parties that adorn the shores of Bournemouth.
Throughout the 90s Thursday nights were rammers, and Ryde was alive across the week. My own night created with my pal Al, was called Dynamite. We were very lucky and it achieved national status, helping to launch our DJ careers. In 2005, I put together ‘Casualty’ attracting high end acts like The Shapeshifters, Judge Jules and The Freemasons to Ryde. Other venues were doing the same and the Island had a very healthy nightlife.
One doesn’t appreciate what is being achieved at the time but reflecting, I hope my drunken DJing antics benefited others in a way that clubland benefited me. It brought excitement and enjoyment in equal measure. I’ve made life long friends, had incredible experiences and fond memories that will last a lifetime. The Woodlands sessions, for the last two years have brought much enjoyment too.
Last year however, I experienced something I never have whilst playing. I cried. My view from the DJ box on stage, at one point consisted of 1,000 + people holding up their phones as candles in memory of a loved one. Together, with some of her family present, we paid tribute to fellow Ryde based DJ, Michelle Robson. She would have been on stage with us, but had tragically passed away earlier in the year. The moment reduced me to tears as the tsunami of love and affection swept across the crowd. In all my years of performing, I have never experienced an emotion like it. For those present, I still feel we were part of something humbling and incredibly special.
This brings me on to my final point.
Dancing next to a stranger whilst sharing the passion of music, releasing endorphins, having fun and creating memories is an experience. These days sadly, a rare experience in terms of scale. For many, it borders on spiritual. Equally, hearing a comedian deliver gag after gag or enjoying the graceful sounds of a classical performance, washing over you on the sands of Ryde; should be something to be welcomed.
It’s good for the soul, it’s good for us as human beings. I say embrace it and enjoy it. In my humble opinion, recalling the sea of smiling faces whooping and laughing as we grooved into the summer’s eve, Robin Hill’s loss is very much Ryde’s gain.
