Although she is far too modest to ever admit it, Zoe Thompson really is a prolific community champion and has been the driving force behind many positive projects across the Isle of Wight. Ed
The online world is a strange thing; I have a love hate relationship with it. Like most people, we walk about with multiple devices, ‘social networking’ takes up hours of our day, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
I love that I can get information at a touch of button, that I can see what my friends around the world are having for dinner, and watch as many funny animal clips as a girl could ever want!
“What is the Island coming to?”
In recent months however I found myself getting caught up in the negativity that the cyber universe throws at us. From the exhaustion of political debate, to moronic opinion of local tragedy, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by what can appear to be a cruel and senseless world.
I have seen many people make comment such as, “what is the Island coming to?”, “Things are getting worse over here” and it is at these times when I am truly thankful that I volunteer in a number of local projects.
Islanders coming together
The Ventnor Skatepark Project and Ryde Skate Park User Group allow me to work alongside a number of great people, all giving up their time to try and improve the facilities we have on the Island.
Young skaters doing their own fundraising, to Mums and Dads fixing up ramps, people coming together to invest their time, and very often money into something for the greater good of their community.
It is time consuming and hard work, but it really is greatly rewarding.
Chair of RBA
A new role for me is that of Chair of Ryde Business Association.
I went into this with some trepidation knowing that there are plenty of strong opinionated characters in the world of business.
We’re two months in and I have welcomed the passionate, dedicated and positive outlook of everyone I have spoken with. People who are committed to working together to support their town.
Our reality is the one we live
I have come to the conclusion that we all need to do a bit more in the real world. Our reality is not the one we see on the news and through social media, it is the one we live and are part of in our own communities, every day.
Although bad things happen, I know from experience that the Island is full to the brim with amazing, talented, generous, kind, interesting characters.
By contributing a bit of my time, I am rewarded with the knowledge that my community, our Island is great, and that makes me feel very proud.
