The Trust set up to explore a range of purchase options for Ryde Town Hall and Theatre, has seen a number of board member changes over the past couple of weeks.
After Ryde Town Hall’s closure by the Conservative-led Isle of Wight council in 2010, it was sold to a private developer, but to this day, remains empty and decaying. Indeed, in December 2023, The Georgian Group placed the historic building on the Top 10 Heritage At Risk List for 2023.
Four new board members
The Ryde Town Hall Trust (RTHT), formed in May 2023, was set up to preserve, restore and care for Ryde Town Hall, as well as explore a range of purchase options .
In the last fortnight, the RTHT Trustees (Dominic Minghella and Simon Cooke) have appointed four new Trustees:
- Steve Porter (well known transport entrepreneur and Trustee of IW Foodbank and Wightaid)
- Joe Plumb (Horsebox Theatre Co and lead on Department Ryde transformation)
- as well as Anmarie Bowler and Zoe Barker, both members of the grassroots community organisation, Friends Of Ryde Town Hall (FORTH).
Former Trustees, James Longford and Helen Keogan, have resigned from the board.
Cooke: Remarkable work in community engagement
Simon Cooke, Chair of the Ryde Town Hall Trust, told OnTheWight,
“The energy and passion of Friends Of Ryde Town Hall (FORTH) members Anmarie Bowler and Zoe Barker over the last couple of years has been truly inspirational.
“Not only have they laid careful groundwork in bringing the Town Hall project to the attention of notable potential partners, but they have done remarkable work in community engagement, culminating in the recent publication of The FORTH Report. We are delighted to have them on-board.”
Cooke: Hard to imagine anyone more capable and suited to be a Trustee
Speaking to the addition of two well-known and respected Islanders, Simon went on to add,
“Steve Porter, who founded and ran a multi-million pound local transport business for decades, brings valuable commercial experience to the Trust. His long track record of serving on community-based Island charities is equally welcome.
“I am delighted that Joe Plumb, who is very much at the centre of delivering The Department project, has agreed to join us. Along with his theatre and event management background, it is hard to imagine anyone more capable and suited to be a Trustee.”
Cooke: This well-rounded and experienced team can get the job done
The chairman of RTHT finished by saying,
“The outgoing Trustees’ resignations means the Trust can now finally move forward. Restoring Ryde Town Hall to its proper place at the heart of the community is no small task, but I am now more confident than ever that we have the well-rounded and experienced team in place to get the job done.”
Friends of Ryde Town Hall
Friends of Ryde Town Hall (FORTH) was launched in November 2021 to help build public support for the restoration of the building.
The FORTH Report, published in February 2024, unveiled a community-backed vision for Ryde Town Hall as a cultural hub.
Article edit
10.46am 21st Jun 2024 – Made clear Dominic Minghella was a trustee.
