'Raising educational standards' most important objective for school re-vamp

Published on 24th May 2007 in News

Goole's longest-running drama group is continuing its Save Our Stage campaign, with letters to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC).

Goole Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (GAODS) fear they may have to disband after more than 100 years when Vermuyden School is renovated.

There are no plans to include a permanent stage, and GAODS say they require one large enough to take a cast of 80 or so, plus dressing-room facilities.

The group have started a petition, asking the ERYC to rethink their plans and not deprive Goole of what they say is the only venue within a 20 mile radius that is suitable for large-scale productions.

GAODS' producer, Doreen Chappell, MBE, wrote to the director of children, family and adult services to express the group's concerns.

Last week, she received a reply which gives a detailed explanation of how the plans came to be drawn up.

Andrew Williams wrote: "The present hall is inadequate for the school's purposes and the new hall provides 400 square metres of flexible space that will be better for assemblies, exams and the school's productions.

"Badly-needed external play areas", which allow for outside drama and dance performances, will be created in the space occupied by the hall.

He also said refurbishing the hall would not be cost-effective and stressed that the school would be happy to accommodate portable seating and staging for GAODS' productions.

Renovation necessary for sake of standards

Regarding consultation with users of the hall, Mr Williams said that it had been 'widespread'.

"Everyone's views have been taken into account but it has to be appreciated that the prime purpose of this exercise is to bring about a transformation of the school's buildings and facilities with the aim of driving up educational standards, whilst of course taking on board the wishes of the community."

Mrs Chappell has responded to several of the points in a further letter, and in some cases, has challenged them, particularly the 'widespread consultation'.

The Save our Stage petition has collected more than 1,800 signatures and is still available to sign at the Goole Times office at 102 Boothferry Road.