Ouch - more cuts ...

[Dave2002]

https://www.surreysays.co.uk/librari...vice/38ff7ab4/ Surrey Performing Arts Library has funding problems.

[pastoralguy]

Austerity is still very much a thing and shows no sign of being put on hold and I think the worst is yet to come.

[Lat-Literal]

https://www.surreysays.co.uk/librari...vice/38ff7ab4/ Surrey Performing Arts Library has funding problems.

Surrey CC is an embarrassment to the Conservative Party. Why is it in such a poor financial state when it has among the richest people in the country and regrettably is enabling oil drilling on Leith Hill as well as having actual long-term oil production in Godstone? £180,000 is trifling. Cut out all the awaydays along with the luncheon expenses and especially close County Hall which is ludicrously situated in Kingston-on-Thames so that it can be in a smaller building somewhere more sensible like Reigate. I am not within its precious boundaries but I watch it very closely being just a quarter of a mile away (the tiny number of Lib Dems and Greens are just across the borders). Croydon Council - currently Labour (five regal Blairites in power and at war with the rest of their clan) - although it changes - is pretty chronic but sometimes it is better the devil you know. Over "there" it strikes me as often diabolical.

(The other thing, of course, is what has been deemed politically impossible by all - a revision of the 1991 Council Tax bands so that those who have added on three bedrooms etc pay!)

[Dave2002]

Surrey CC is an embarrassment to the Conservative Party.

I think it's the Conservative Party which is the embarrassment - but it's not all their fault. Let's leave it there for the moment. Overall it's government cuts which are driving these concerns, and may sadly lead to disruption or even complete loss of some useful services.

Make whatever representations you see fit in the hope of ameliorating the impact to the performing arts library.

[french frank]

Make whatever representations you see fit in the hope of ameliorating the impact to the performing arts library.

I gave a talk there a year or so ago. A truly impressive library, but a slightly odd place for such an important public collection - some way out of Dorking in a vineyard …

[Dave2002]

I gave a talk there a year or so ago. A truly impressive library, but a slightly odd place for such an important public collection - some way out of Dorking in a vineyard …

The vineyard is Denbies, and the owner is Adrian White. Obviously he's a fairly well off capitalist/businessman - but he does support quite a number of public services, and has in the past put forward proposals to avoid the closure of hospitals, such as that at Epsom - which may still be under threat - or at very least be undergoing "re-organisation" - see Chris Grayling's objections re that hospital. It could be that his (Adrian's) initiative has so far helped to preserve the collection currently housed on the vineyard site.

I will make an effort to visit the library.

[french frank]

The vineyard is Denbies, and the owner is Adrian White. Obviously he's a fairly well off capitalist/businessman - but he does support quite a number of public services, and has in the past put forward proposals to avoid the closure of hospitals, such as that at Epsom - which may still be under threat - or at very least be undergoing "re-organisation" - see Chris Grayling's objections re that hospital. It could be that his (Adrian's) initiative has so far helped to preserve the collection currently housed on the vineyard site.

That's what I gathered - they were offered the premises on very good terms (possibly free) and the vineyard has an eatery which makes visiting/browsing in the library very attractive since it's quite a trek to get there for most of the county. And I did gather that there had been enforced changes in the offing already when they got their vineyard offer, which they thought a better prospect than the council alternative.

[Nick Armstrong]

Make whatever representations you see fit in the hope of ameliorating the impact to the performing arts library.

[MrGongGong]

Make whatever representations you see fit in the hope of ameliorating the impact to the performing arts library.

Good luck with that
but I don't see much hope when those in charge are completely driven by ideology with 0% empathy or any understanding of the place of culture in society.

I guess we get what people want (without quoting mr Weller)

Surely this has all changed now that Sir Simon has arrived on his white charger to reintroduce music to the nation?

[Ein Heldenleben]

Where do I sign up ? Not much of a tribute to a man who with his extraordinary contribution to 20th century symphonic music, choral music and singing , hymns , English folk music (not to mention his war record ) has some claim to be regarded as the greatest of Englishmen ! Didn't he also make Dorking the epicentre of something of a revival of amateur choral singing through an annual festival ? Come on Dorking pull your socks up...there's plenty of money knocking around there.

[Dave2002]

Where do I sign up ? Not much of a tribute to a man who with his extraordinary contribution to 20th century symphonic music, choral music and singing , hymns , English folk music (not to mention his war record ) has some claim to be regarded as the greatest of Englishmen ! Didn't he also make Dorking the epicentre of something of a revival of amateur choral singing through an annual festival ? Come on Dorking pull your socks up...there's plenty of money knocking around there.

Here is one place - hope you don't mind the link to a fairly small party - https://surreylibdems.org.uk/en/peti...g-arts-library

I'll try to find more. You could write to an MP, or contact SCC (Surrey County Council). The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) is now showing interest, so might be worth investigating there.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Let's hope the Dorking Lib- Dems prove more successful than their national counterparts.....I've signed as a strictly non partisan , cross party gesture of support for the great man's legacy.

[french frank]

Here is one place - hope you don't mind the link to a fairly small party - https://surreylibdems.org.uk/en/peti...g-arts-library

Only too willing I'll post your alternatives on my Facebook page for those who are less so

Lunchtime doesn't exaggerate: this place is beyond words wonderful.

I'll try to find more. You could write to an MP, or contact SCC (Surrey County Council). The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) is now showing interest, so might be worth investigating there.

[Dave2002]

There's more here - http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surr...y-you-13608731

I'll keep digging.

The Surrey consultation survey is here - https://www.surreysays.co.uk/librari...vice/38ff7ab4/

Deadline for responses is 1st October.

Making Music is also concerned, and circulating relevant bodies/people. https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/

[french frank]

The Surrey consultation survey is here - https://www.surreysays.co.uk/librari...vice/38ff7ab4/

But it's only for people who actually use it in a specified capacity - not for people who are just green with envy and would love it to be available where we live. And who appreciate the importance of what should be a treasured national resource.