Hi all,

I've been reading these threads & quietly sent off an email to the folks The Shambles recommended a week or so ago. Here's what I got back from Peter Gilmour today. I shall certainly reply, and I'm open to suggestions from the Mudcat masses!

Before you judge us you may find it useful to know  the position in Weymouth, and I would be delighted to supply you with the facts. Weymouth is fully committed to the arts, not just in rhetoric, but in actions.

We provide a fully funded 1000 seat theatre, with a wide ranging programme from the Yetties to the Bolshoi Ballet. The Ocean Room a  multi purpose venue (again provided by the Council) can accommodate 400 with a stage.

Last year we held a FREE two week music festival on the beach with professional and amateur musicians across every spectrum of music. We have produced a Cultural strategy for the Borough and are currently consulting with the community to ensure that it reflects their needs and desires. We have an Arts Development Offices dedicated to working with groups in the community.

These are not the actions of a Council that is opposed to the arts.

For your further information over 80 of the Public Houses in the Borough have an Entertainments License as is required by law. The Council did not make the law, but is required to enforce it. As to the cost, the pub you describe with a small group of people coming together would pay 55 pence per evening for their license, hardly extortionate. I should also point out it is not the pub who are objecting to having an entertainment license, but it is one of the musicians.

Having provided you with the accurate picture, I would ask you in return to tell your friend what an enlightened and fun loving council we are.

Yours

Peter Gilmour
Publicity & Community Liaison Services Manager

I've got a few ideas of where to take this, naturally, but don't hold back!

Turtle