I WAS very pleased to see in last week's letters page that one of our members had taken the initiative to write to you about the recent poor attendances at many events at the Wharf.
Of this low level of support only about 30 per cent of patrons come from the Tavistock area, so do we usually stay at home or look to Plymouth for our entertainment.
I am sure that many readers may not appreciate that The Wharf is run by a non-profit making company who were saddled by the council with heavy set-up costs incurred in the first failed attempt to run the Wharf. It is to their credit and very many hours of work that the Wharf continues.
No local authority funding has been made available and because the Wharf only 'platforms' entertainment, Lottery grants are not available. Without the fund raising and practical support of the Friends of the Wharf Association the theatre would not be viable.
Your correspondant is right to say 'people do not realise how lucky we are to have such an attractive and comfortable theatre on our doorstep' but I can assure readers that the Wharf's existence is on a knife-edge and their patronage is essential to its continuation.
As a start, why not join the Friends to show your support - you would then have the advantage of programme previews and £1 off your cinema seat each time you go.
Alan Fox
Secretary, Friends of the Wharf Association
The Wharf,
Tavistock