This update on the Blue Bell from Alan Wood.

Hello all

Ignore night's attempt to send this - I think only half of it left this machine. ( Still struggling to get my head round this e mail business. )

Thought it might be productive to collate some of last week's traffic and news and give you the opportunity to fire off any questions or shout out, if you think I'm getting on the wrong side of events. - I am aware that there is a danger I may be too close to all this.

Broadly I would like to see us keep the pressure going with Peterborough Environmental Health and also help spread awareness around the local scene on the implications of the proposed reform of the Licensing Laws. It looks like we are living in 'interesting times.'

1. Bosworth letter

There has been an acknowledgement of the letter ( sent 8.11.02 ) which I received yesterday ( 16th ).

This communication also contains the draft of a 'Statement of Witness' which Jane Bosworth has worded on my behalf, (with an invitation to make any amendments), following a telephone conversation which I had with her on the 5th Nov. I am in no hurry to sign this. It will clearly be used as a major piece of evidence against the Licensee. Hamish has advised me to seek some legal advice with this document and suspects that it may be a ruse to turn the prosecution on me. Does anyone know a musician lawyer, pref. cheap !

It does show that the Authority is still chasing this case - I don't think they will give up. If this is how they operate now, then heaven help us all when the new legislation comes in. Remember full responsibility for local licensing of all public entertainment is likely to be in their hands, possibly by the summer of 2003 !

2. Karen Cheale's initiative

Writing so strongly to all City Councillors was a tremendous initiative and resulted in a number of very positive responses. Let's hope the Councillors involved will apply some pressure. It will certainly heighten their awareness of the new responsibilities which are going to come their way, if the new Bill goes through in its present form. ( see Roger's document enclosed )

3. John Nix v Peter Newman

John enjoyed a vigorous exchange with our Principle Cultural Officer which illustrated that Peter Newman, although very sympathetic, has little influence over the alligators swimming beneath Town Bridge. PN is likely to receive more brickbats but I hope future correspondents set their sights firmly on The Environmental Health Dept. ( Hamish has already crossed swords with their boss, Trevor Gibson, who he described as a 'very tough cookie.' ) Well done, John - you ruffled his feathers, and gave us a clear picture of his ability, or otherwise, to play a part.

4. John Clare Society

Peter Moyse ( not a Parish Councillor, by the way ) was very quick to give vocal support. He also alerted the publishers of the George Deacon book ( Francis Boutle Pub.) to our plight. They in turn put me in touch with Maev Kennedy, Heritage Correspondent, at the Guardian ( yes the national one ). Despite 2 attempts I couldn't get her to bite - failed to see the John Clare connection ! One of the disappointments of the week.

I haven't had any response from Rodney Lines, Chairman, which has surprised me. The Clare Society proved to be a very vociferous pressure group over the 'Clare meadow building application' a few years back.
They were having a meeting today ( 17th ) so I might hear from PM this week. The 'cultural argument came across strongly in Karen's letter to the Councillors - let's hope the John Clare Society put their weight behind us.

5. Local MPs

Pete is hoping for an interview with Helen Clark MP shortly.
I contacted John Hayes MP (Sth Holland and Deepings ) ref. Early Day motion 1182 and also sent him some background to the Bluebell story - so far no response.
Brian Mawhinney is the MP for Helpston ( yes, I too thought it was HC ) and as far as I know has not been given any info. about the case - can anyone correct me? I understand he is very good at picking up local issues and is not afraid to challenge the Local Authority. An approach by a constituent is required. Can anyone help ?

6. Local press and radio

I was surprised that the Evening Telegraph 'cultural bunker' story ( ET 11.11.02 covered by gareth.rose@peterboroughnow.co.uk ) didn't enjoy a link with the Bluebell saga. Perhaps no one told him. It may be that the carcass of the Bluebell story has not moved on since it last enjoyed coverage in late September. A reply from the Bosworth letter or a definite decision to prosecute could revive the story .
I will contact Mike Peat ( BBC Midlands Folkwaves) and possibly other local stations this week to see if they can give us an airing.

7. Sue Furness

No contact, despite leaving phone messages and sending an e mail with the Bosworth Letter 1.
I will go and see her tomorrow - please alert me anyone thinks this is not a good idea ! I suspect she is sick of the whole thing.

8. MU response to DCMS launch of the Licensing Bill ( enclosed, thanks to Roger Gall )

I know Colin will flag this up with everyone on the Peterborough Folk Diary Mailing List. The organisations promoting big events ( Straw Bear ) are sure to be up to speed with the implications, - its the small venue people ( and Dancers ), currently operating in pubs with no PEL who are going to need a shake. No doubt some will want to shoot the messenger !

Colin's idea to cultivate local Councillors needs to be actioned by these groups now. If the policy makers have no idea about our harmless activities then the heavy hand of authority will strike again.... and again. ( Remember the officers who raided the Bluebell couldn't differentiate between acoustic and electric instruments ! - they thought we were all plugged into the mains !)

Please accept apologies if I haven't acknowledged your contribution to the first week of dissent. Colin and Pete and been superb - sincere thanks.

One correspondent informs me that the great City of Sheffield has now been ethnically cleansed of all sessions and singarounds - so we're in good company !

ALAN WOOD