MARGARET Hurdwell and her fellow directors acceptance of an ?enthusiastic? bid to keep The Wharf open as a community resource is very welcome (Times, May 18). I recently chaired a public meeting about the future of the Wharf, where five areas of community interest were identified and passed to Margaret before CAM Ltd made its choice. Those working on the transfer of the Wharf should think very hard before duplicating the present management structure. It has been estimated that up to £30,000 additional annual revenue funding is required to make the Wharf a fully community-orientated facility. Public revenue funding, whether it be from the various National Lottery funds or the three tiers of local government we have locally, for example, can only be attracted if the appropriate legal structure is in place. Devon County Council policy is moving in 2007 from grants to investment in the Arts: a re-structured Wharf would be well-placed to attract this. The incoming owners of the Wharf could do well to make contact with the Plough at Great Torrington. There they attract over £20,000 of public revenue funding every year, with a wider programme than the Wharf. Community groups are encouraged to participate. They have 1,800 active supporters paying £18 a year, compared with the 650 Friends of the Wharf ? and all this from a smaller community! There could be significant benefits too for the Wharf to be gained from joint programming with the Plough. Let the new owners of the Wharf be assured that they have many, many friends across the community, who are eager to re-connect with the Wharf and help it achieve its proper position at the centre of our community. As chair of governors at Tavistock Community College, and vice-chair at St Rumon?s C of E Infants School, I know there is a real hunger as well across the educational community of students, parents and staff, for closer involvement with the wonderful facility we have at the Wharf. By the way, the Wharf has received public subsidy throughout its existence. West Devon Borough zero-rated the Wharf, saving about £7,300 annually. For that we have to be grateful. Without it, the Wharf would not have survived. Alex Wood 4 Kilworthy Hill Tavistock [email protected]">[email protected]