Sir,
For the last year, the trust has been running the De Valence Pavilion with a reduced staff and the help of numerous volunteers. Over 30 wonderful people have been freely giving up their time to run the box office, the bar, children's activities, to act as stewards, to help with marketing and publicity, and anything else that has been needed. I have been continually surprised by the amount of time and effort local people are willing to put in to keep this venue open.
With the help of these volunteers, the De Valence Pavilion has been able run many more events than would otherwise have been possible. It has not just survived, but grown as a community venue in the heart of Tenby. My sincere thanks to each and every one of them.
In the light of all this effort, I was dismayed to see in the paper the other week that the town council was even considering not renewing their grant to the De Valence Pavilion. What a slap in the face for all the efforts of local people to keep the venue open, and to increase the amount and variety of events on offer.
I look forward to hearing that the town council is supporting the people of Tenby and district in their efforts to support and improve this venue.
Anne Draper,
Volunteer Volunteer
Co-ordinator.
PS. If anyone reading this would like to volunteer to help us, please get in touch - we need you!