May 17th and the door is half open to the resumption of normal activates at Riverside, but we are not quite there as yet. Although shows can resume with up to 50% capacity, these are subject to the social distancing and rule of six regula-tions and the wearing of masks etc, to ensure the safety of everybody visiting the Centre and to comply with the latest Government requirements. We can even re-open our bar which has been completely redecorated and modernised with new tills, chiller cabinets and glass washing machines. Not to mention a new selection of drinks. Classes and gatherings of our arts, literary, dance, keep-fit, Pilates, music etc etc groups can re-commence but again there are still many restrictions in place for the protection of visitors. You should contact the various groups listed in our “Riverside presents….” ad on page 18 for their latest information.
It will take some time over the summer for many of the activities to get back into full swing so we are planning for a grand “Riverside re-opens” gala in September when all of the performing groups resident at Riverside will stage a series of showcase events to announce that we are well and truly back in business. On Sunday 19th September we present a classical afternoon tea concert with a return visit by the amazing Chinese pianist, Mengyang Pan. The following Thursday sees a Variety show featuring the talents of Riverside Youth Theatre, Zodiac Musical Theatre Group, the dancers of the KH Dance Academy, Riverside Players of Sunbury, Laughing Chili Comedy and the young performers of On Stage Now. Two hours of dance, music, comedy, drama and magic, which will be repeated with two performances on the following Saturday. Friday evening has a Speed Quiz hosted by Stu Turner of Laughing Chili Comedy and then on Sunday afternoon, cinema returns with a big screen movie presented by Wonderama, The September showcase ends with a Celebrity Jazz Concert from Mood Indigo events on Sunday evening. Full details will be published shortly, enabling you to book for these special events catering for all tastes. Many of our non-performing groups will also be featuring displays or demonstrations to show at first hand the varied interests or hobbies you can pursue at the Riverside. Some of those enthusiastic users of our grand piano in the main hall are organising a sponsored Playathon at the end of October, advance details of which are elsewhere in this edition. Their efforts together with profits from the September events are aimed at trying to replenish the coffers of the Riverside whose finances have suffered so badly over the past 17 months.
Long before the autumn we have the resumption of our regular Sunday evening Jazz concerts to look forward to, starting with guitarist Maciek Pysz and the Terence Collie Trio on June 6th. Provided the easing of lockdown restrictions goes as planned other events will be confirmed shortly so keep an eye on our website for updates.
It seems an age ago, but back in 2019 you will recall that Riverside Arts Centre was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. At last an official presentation can take place and we will be welcoming HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Michael More-Molyneux at 2.30pm on Wednesday 14th July to undertake this short ceremony to which members of the public are welcome.
The Annual General Meeting of the Riverside Arts Centre (charity 272929) will take place on Wednesday 14th July at 8pm.
This will be followed by the AGM of the Riverside Arts Centre Club which administers the affairs of the licensed bar
Notes from the Riverside Arts Centre
www.riversidearts.co.uk
info@riversidearts.co.uk
Registered charity 272929