Campaigners continue battle to save drama group from closure
Published on 26th April 2007 in News
CAMPAIGNING HARD: Doreen Chappell with the ‘SOS’ petition bearing more than 1,000 names.
The 'Save Our Stage' campaign is gathering pace.
Goole Amateur Operatic and Dramatics Society (GOADS) fear they may have to disband if the East Riding of Yorkshire Council do not rethink their plans to improve the facilities at Vermuyden School.
There are no plans to include a permanent stage in the alterations, or to provide a dressing room big enough for large scale performances.
GOADS have already circulated a petition and this week Doreen Chappell, the society's director and producer, has written to the chair of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Her letter points out how valuable the current hall is to many community groups in Goole and says: "The loss of the Vermuyden School hall will be of great sadness and significance to the community."
More than a thousand people have already signed the petition, a copy of which is also available to be signed at the Goole Times office at 102 Boothferry Road.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council have previously told the Goole Times that a wide range of potential user groups had been consulted and that the stage limited the possibilities of the hall for the school.
A spokesperson also said the new facilities will create opportunities for outside performances of drama and dance, and will offer a much wider range of flexible opportunities for the school and community.