I couldn't agree more Raymond. Watermans 25-30 years ago was a thriving, popular community venue. I used to go there for musical gigs, theatre productions, cinema, art exhibitions and just to drop in to the bar for a pint after a hard evening's work. As a full-time youth worker in Brentford at the time, I worked closely with the amazing Gabby Campbell (Community Arts worker extraordinaire) running a wide variety of arts projects for the (decidedly non-arty) young people living on Haverfield Estate opposite. The whole place was buzzing and packed out several nights each week. In particular I remember the Folk Club, Club Nights and Sunday afternoon summer blues sessions in the outside space. Then, over a period of time Watermans became much more 'arty' - chasing Arts Council grants rather than putting on events that would attract the local population - and attendances began to fall. Those of us who remember those times can't help but reflect upon the management decisions which have brought about the current situation. Personally, I rarely visit Watermans once a year nowadays when once it was my 'go to' venue for local entertainment as well as my local pub. I also agree with Raymond that the Centre is ideally placed where it is and moving it will be its death knell.
Mick Brent ● 1239d