I don't know how many of you have heard this, but the Betsey Trotwood's music licence is under threat. This is from the Plum Promotions website:
We’ve been running the Betsey Trotwood as a music venue for the last year or so, and in that time we’ve established it as one of the most popular little venues in town. Its far too small to ever make much money from, so running the Betsey has always been a labour of love. We’re involved because we think we can provide something that nowhere else can.
It’s given us the opportunity to try out new bands that might otherwise not have been given a chance. It’s also been a place where we have run free demo workshops, book readings, film screenings and student photography exhibitions. We provide cheap accommodation for artists visiting from all over the world, and we’ve created a space that allows new music, film, comedy and photography to come together and develop. It’s not just a venue, it’s a resource, a focus for creative activity, and its something we’re passionate about.
It seems not everyone sees it this way. A small number of people have registered complaints to the council because they consider us a nuisance. We haven’t broken any council regulations, but as a result of the complaints, the renewal of our music license has been suspended pending a Public Hearing. At this hearing, we have to put forward our case – that the venue has become an important part of the community, and that we’re willing to address the complaints that have been made. If successful, we will be able to keep the venue open. If we fail, it will be difficult to see a long term future for it.
Seeing as quite a lot of the Londoners around here go there now and again (and seeing as it was the venue for the great london-indie post-9/11 benefit nite), I thought you might be interested in downloading the petition and collecting some signatures...
This is the first time I have been on ilx all day. I am so proud of myself for making it through to 2.40pm.
― Madchen (Madchen), Monday, 3 November 2003 14:36 (twenty-one years ago)
I would complain that their bar prices go up when a band is playing, which is irksome for the non-gig going punter. < / cumrmudgeonly missing of the point etc>
― Dave B (daveb), Monday, 3 November 2003 14:41 (twenty-one years ago)
my friend's band played there Saturday night, so it's their fault.
― stevem (blueski), Monday, 3 November 2003 14:42 (twenty-one years ago)
This presumably includes the improv workshops Maggie Nicols does on Monday evenings which GB keeps nagging me to go to. "A small number of people" - would like to know the exact number and whether it makes it out of single figures.
― Marcello Carlin, Monday, 3 November 2003 14:43 (twenty-one years ago)
Improv workshops may not be hit ('pends on paying customers) but this would be a bad thing all round. Though I think with their position in London and it not being even predominantly residential they will have a good chance of winning this.
Now they ARE a nuisance.
― Pete (Pete), Monday, 3 November 2003 14:45 (twenty-one years ago)
there are plenty of other threads on ILE where idiots can go and post. please find one.
― Marcello Carlin, Monday, 3 November 2003 14:51 (twenty-one years ago)
i am sorry to hear of this. although there havent really been any bands i like playing there, it is a good pub, and i like that they put these things on
― charltonlido (gareth), Monday, 3 November 2003 14:55 (twenty-one years ago)
Hmmm...my friend Rayna lives in the Peabody flats opposite, perhaps she will go to meeting and say her neighbours are on crack for trying to ruin indiekid fun? Because honestly there are no other residential types but these to consider in that area, and the most noise made that way is from huge articulated lorries and nightbuses?
Charlton, one of your rancid old Golas bit Ed on the ass yesterday, should we put them down? Also a selection of garments from Atelier Sung@rd are milling around, will launder and save for you.
― suzy (suzy), Monday, 3 November 2003 14:58 (twenty-one years ago)