Amateurs are professionals

Published on 16th November 2006 in Letters

Sir - Last month more than 3,000 people enjoyed Goole Amateurs' production 'Stars in Our Eyes' to mark the Society's centenary.

I am surely not alone in being surprised and very disappointed by the coverage in the Goole Times: two half-columns tucked away on page 73! A society of local people which for 100 years has provided Goole with live theatrical entertainment, very often reaching a professional standard in a school hall which in default of more suitable premises it transforms into a theatre; a society made up of 115 members aged between seven and 79, led by hard-working volunteers, one of whom has received national recognition by the award of an M.B.E. for services to the performing arts, should have merited headline treatment rather than the litter site you selected for your front page.

The former president of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, speaking on Monday, said: "Goole is very fortunate to have Goole Amateurs". Does the Goole Times appreciate this? By contrast the Hull Mail devoted two full pages on separate days to the Society's work and reputation.

Margaret Barnes

Gowdall Way, Howden