Since November last year, once a month at the Ventnor Winter Gardens, local residents, Mr and Mrs Halsey have organised free classical concerts in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
The quality of musicianship has been astounding. We’ve attended some of recitals and enjoyed them as much as the many others, who made the effort to battle the cold and wet weather.
Venue transformed for new audience
Each time we’ve been, the main hall has been transformed with plants and subtle lighting offering a great experience for those in the audience, as well as the musicians who have given their time freely.
It having been some time since classical music has been heard at the venue, these ‘free to attend’ concerts must surely have attracted a new audience for the Winter Gardens.
Councillors defer decision to allow recitals to continue
It was with great surprise then, to hear Ventnor town councillors possibly put a stop to the concerts, the last of which is due to be held this coming Sunday.
The hall has previously been provided for free by the town council for the concerts, at which there is a retiring collection for the Hospice.
At Monday’s Ventnor town council (VTC) meeting the councillors were asked to consider whether they would allow this arrangement to continue.
“Highly successful”
Cllr George explained that the concerts were an attempt to bring classical music back to the Winter Gardens and expand the offering of programming. He reported that it has been, so far, highly successful, raising several hundred pounds for the Hospice during the short trial period.
Cllr Scoccia questioned why the hall should be given to the Hospice for free, as the VTC had to cover to cost of electricity and staff and their budget was already stretched. Although she stated that there was no doubt the hospice was a wonderful charity, she didn’t think that the VTC should continue to allow free use of the hall once a month for the afternoon concerts.
“Should be charged the charitable rate”
Cllr Perks referred to the hall hire rate of £150 for registered charities for fund raising events (which can be found in the Audit Report) stating that the VTC shouldn’t treat one charity any different to others.
Interestingly in the same list of rates in the audit report is “a negotiated rate (minimum of £50) for bookings that directly benefit special interest groups within the local community”.
We’re surprised that the councillors don’t believe that the Hospice should fall within this category, because without a doubt the Hospice does directly benefit many members of the Ventnor community.
Outcome of discussion
It was agreed that the charitable hire cost for the hall would be discussed with those organising the recitals and decision reported back to the VTC at a later date.
We think it highly unlikely that the Hospice or those organising the free fundraising events will be able to afford to pay for the hire of the hall.
So in that case, make sure you catch the last one this Sunday when violinist Frances Mason and harpist Jenny Broome bring their magic to the Winter Gardens at 3pm.
