Sir,
How wonderful to read your headline last week 'Shared vision needed for De Valence Pavilion' and your report of Victoria Smathers's excellent presentation to members of the town council.
However, I was astonished by the town clerk's response that the council would discuss further over the next month whether or not to continue providing the De Valence Trust with grant funding, prior to finalising their precept budget in December for the next financial year.
This venue has been totally transformed by Victoria Smathers's tireless efforts and is now an extremely valuable resource benefiting the whole community and drawing people into the town.
One has only to look at articles in last week's Observer - the De Valence was used for The Friday Night Project, The Rock 'n' Roll Group, Tenby Floral Art Club and Jacqui Dankworth's concert - a highlight of the Tenby Arts Festival.
This venue is regularly used throughout the week for ballroom classes, Salsa, Young Performers, yoga, Wednesday Friendship Club and also for monthly tea dances.
It is used for charity events such as the stunning NSPCC ball held during the summer, tribute bands and events for local societies such as Young Farmers. It offers entertainment for both young and old.
I feel the town council should congratulate Victoria Smathers on running a muc-needed amenity extremely efficiently and fund it generously without hesitation.
Kathy Duffield