It is interesting that this huge local 30% PEL take-up rate, compared to only 5% nationally, is now proudly being banded about. For I have been trying for two years to get the council to supply a percentage figure, and the officers claimed they could not supply this. It has only recently a request made by a local councillor in the last few weeks, that has finally produced this figure.

During early 2001 I eventually managed to meet Mr Grainger to discuss the difficulties presented by his policy to unpaid folk sessions taking place in pubs. I found Mr Grainger to be not well enough briefed on the subject generally.

But I was surprised, given the opporuinity the meeting presented to show his concern for these activities that he did not mention the council organised and funded Weymouth folk festival. I, and the councils' own web board had been informed by the council employed Pavilion Manager, that this was due to take place in May 2002.

When I mentioned this folk festival to him, along with some of the problems his policy may present to it, I was astonished to find out that he was totally unawre of any plans for this festival!