Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/500/3102
From The Socialist newspaper, 6 September 2007
Save the 'Westie'
Residents, artists, music lovers, young and old, from Aldershot and surrounding areas spilled into the street outside Aldershot's West End Centre. Elaine Barnett of local punk band, 'Brunette Mindcontrol', led the defiant but upbeat demonstration against Hampshire County Council's secret plan to sell off the popular local arts venue as part of a package to cut Aldershot's public services.
Nick Kirk Reading Socialist Party
Interviews for local and national news were followed by the 100-strong crowd continuing their protest songs, poetry and speeches interspersed with chants of "Save the Westie" celebrating the diverse range of entertainment that only the Westie can offer.
I've enjoyed seeing bands like British Sea Power as well as up-and-coming bands, all at affordable prices at the Westie. The venue has helped to launch successful local rock acts like Hundred Reasons and Reuben on the national scene and provides an important service for artists, musicians and creative learners of all ages.
The Westie hosts regular comedy nights and drama workshops and most importantly is a place where young people can enjoy a safe night out in a town that lacks little alternative entertainment for those under the drinking age. See www.myspace.com/savethewestie for more on the campaign.
Aldershot has lost a care home, fire station, town hall and a multi-screen cinema in the past. The Tory administration has drawn up secret plans to cut costs that would see the closure of the Westie and the town library - before consulting the public, Rushmoor borough council or county councillors from minority parties.
A discussion document and email briefing leaked to the Aldershot News Group outlines plans to combine library services with arts and events already run at the nearby Princes Hall - a larger venue for acts like Sing-a-Long-A Sound of Music!
Deborah Bonham, sister of the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, recently played at the venue and said to The Courier (a free local newspaper): "Since when do the arts have to be about making a profit? If they start doing that then they are denying the right to young and old for freedom of expression through music."
Unfortunately, under capitalism, music has long been "about making a profit". Whether it is Justin Timberlake singing for McDonald's adverts or gig promoters charging cash strapped bands £100s to play for the financial benefit of the promoter alone, it is very hard for artists and public services to survive in the market economy.
Reading Socialist Party demands:
- No cuts or privatisation of public services.
- Local services to be democratically planned and run by workers, young people and communities with representatives elected on the basis of accountability and the right of recall.
- The government to properly fund non-academic education and the arts especially at centres that provide services to more than one local community.
- Stop the exploitation of working bands and artists - a living wage for all.
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In The Socialist 6 September 2007:
Strike against public sector pay cap
Prison officers defy government's pay cap
Prison Officers' strike reports
Socialist Party workplace news
Strikers solid in London tubes stoppage
Swansea: Visteon strike threat brings concessions
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Defend Newcastle General Hospital
Sheffield Northern General Hospital bulk stores strike
Trades Union Congress
TUC conference resolutions need to lead to action
Socialist Party events
Socialism 2007 - a weekend of discussion and debate, hosted by the Socialist Party
Socialist Party news and analysis
Horror and heartbreak in Croxteth - What is the cause? What is the answer?
Massive deprivation in Norris Green, Liverpool
Socialist Party policy
Education
Cardiff: More schools fight closures programme
Socialist Party Marxist analysis
'Agitate, educate, organise': the role of the workers' press
International socialist news and analysis
Workplace news and analysis
Belfast Airport workers score a victory
Socialist Party reviews
Fela Kuti, revolutionary musician
'Holding Fire' by Jack Shepherd
Save the 'Westie' in Aldershot
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