Good and bad in youth of Goole

Published on 24th July 2008 in Letters

Sir - As a parent who was born in, has worked in and has lived in Goole all my life I have always defended the bad press that the town gets.

I also used to think that teenagers got a bad reputation, again a corner I have always fought. HOW WRONG I WAS.

During a recent birthday treat, my 12-year-old daughter spent the afternoon with four of her friends in Goole, shopping. On the way back home she walked along Hook Road, where she was set upon (for no apparent reason other than she had no cigarettes) by a group of approximately 10 plus older teenage girls, who had obviously been drinking alcohol.

She and one of her friends were then punched repeatedly in the face and head leaving cuts, bruises and broken teeth. This vicious attack took place in the middle of a sunny, Saturday afternoon. Quite a number of people were around the area but no one stopped to help these poor defenceless young girls!

I have been along Hook Road on various occasions since the incident and have seen a large group of intimidating yobs (a word I don't use lightly) still continually hanging around the bandstand on Riverside Gardens, making a nuisance of themselves.

Are we, as law-abiding citizens of Goole, going to carry on letting these youths frighten our children and intimidate our old people from enjoying what should be a nice, peaceful area? Or do we turn a blind eye and watch Goole live up to its bad reputation where a small group of mindless morons rule by gang culture?

CONCERNED

(Name and address supplied)

Sir - The youth of today is definitely not all bad - not in Goole, anyway!I often hear people say how the youth of today in Goole are all yobbos, they're all intimidating, and all they do is sit around the streets.

Now I'm not saying that some aren't like this, however, I recently went to The Gate theatre in Goole to watch Don't Let the Big Man Win, performed by the kids of Stage Door Academy. Wow! It's not very often that I'm left speechless but believe me. after this performance. I was. It was truly amazing.

I was completely unaware how many talented teens we had in our area. They managed to make me laugh and make me cry several times in a matter of a few hours. Within the academy there are definitely several names that I'm sure we'll hear of for several years to come, as there are some stars in the making. Sorry, I'll re-phrase that: there are some stars now.

So next time you find yourself about to say "Oh, the youth of today", just remember that in Goole there is the Stage Door Academy, where there is some amazing youth of today.

A big well done to Janie Saunders, who manages the whole academy. She has done the youth of today proud and Goole, and a definite well done to 'the youth of today' in the show, who were all stars.

P. Batehup

Goole

Sir - I just wanted to congratulate Margaret Harness, her teaching assistants, organisers and stage staff and especially the dancers on a fantastic charity dance show - Dance Explosion 3.

The fast-paced show was entertaining, diverse and professional. The dancers took great pride on being on stage and the routines were well practised.

Younger people in Goole can sometimes be given a hard time for their behaviour but Dance Explosion 3 showed they can find a hobby which is healthy, fun to do and creates discipline. The age range for the show ranged from tots to ladies and they all have to be congratulated equally.

Here's hoping Margaret can find a new venue for her next show, especially as the proceeds are donated to charity. Well done!

Mrs B.

Goole