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Post by texmexshrew on Jan 7, 2004 0:50:35 GMT 1
www.shrewsburychronicle.com/news/publish/article_330.phpNow I dont doubt that the fella is good guy, diamond geezer etc etc, but is does this make the Town a better place to be or to visit? Lets have some real innovatve ideas for the town, like a Theatre, state of the art sports complex, something to bring big business into Shrewsbury, heaven forbid a new Football stadium.....
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 7, 2004 1:00:49 GMT 1
I think it'n no bad thing that a normal decent guy may get commended rather than a self-serving pompous single minded politician who constantly hold us back
will the SABC tories please stand up?
PS I know Martin Wood, he's quality, his wife helps with shopmobility and Martin cares for her really well
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2004 1:32:34 GMT 1
A statue of the town bloody crier? Whatever next, I'm sorry but what a stupid and waste of money idea
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Post by guest on Jan 7, 2004 1:39:24 GMT 1
oh yea oh yea oh yea on the 7th day of january loyalshrew did talk much sense. get in the queue behind mr rowley,he of the goals fame.
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 7, 2004 1:42:44 GMT 1
A statue of the town bloody crier? Whatever next, I'm sorry but what a stupid and waste of money idea but if it is him or Peter Nutting? they're all mad I tell you £40,000 was spent working out what to do with the square, so they decided they wanted it to be a continental style plaza, with tables and chairs, then they away all the benches, banned the crown from having tables and spent 100k on an 80 seater cinema that you can't get wheelchairs to and they won't give any money to the football club and they won't even help the football club it is madness, when it only a matter of months to find £15 million to build their own offices
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Post by guest on Jan 7, 2004 1:47:21 GMT 1
havent they put a lift in the new cinema? (serious question)
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 7, 2004 1:49:23 GMT 1
they may well have done now, but i am pretty sure there was uproar at the beginning because there was no provision for disabled access
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Post by kickinpretty on Jan 7, 2004 10:36:06 GMT 1
I take it you were against the new Digital media center then TBH?
They have a glass lift that cost lots of nice lolly to give access to wheelchairs - Its now the law for wheelchair access to be included in public buildings.
I personally think that its the best money the council has ever spent, it will breath new life into one of our most historic buildings and it will be used by LOCAL people - much better than a wool museam that no one from Shrewsbury would ever use.
Give it a chance before you knock it ;D
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 7, 2004 10:55:42 GMT 1
I take it you were against the new Digital media center then TBH? They have a glass lift that cost lots of nice lolly to give access to wheelchairs - Its now the law for wheelchair access to be included in public buildings. I personally think that its the best money the council has ever spent, it will breath new life into one of our most historic buildings and it will be used by LOCAL people - much better than a wool museam that no one from Shrewsbury would ever use. Give it a chance before you knock it ;D this has to be a wind up yeah? Over 100k for an 80 seat cinema? Digital media centre? yeah, right I am against a clearly clueless bunch of people who clearly wouldn't know what you needed to have a nice square if it slapped them in the face digita media centre? lol, it's a little cinema that will only show boring arty french films and then normal films three months out of date we could have had a ncie little museum of shrewsbury, something for the tourists, not just a little cinema
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Post by Bilbo on Jan 7, 2004 10:56:42 GMT 1
Absolutley fantastic idea. Ive know martin for many years now and I cannot think of a better man to have a statue made in honour of him.
Most of his town crier work is done free of charge, he helps to raise lots of money for charity and at the same time he looks after his disabled wife.
When I think of the £4 million wasted on cobbling high st to dig it back up again, I think spending a few tousand on a statue to a man who deserves recognition for the work he as done for the Town is OK.
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Post by kickinpretty on Jan 7, 2004 11:10:47 GMT 1
Your not serious are you TBH?
Lets spend money on projects that will benefit 'THE PEOPLE OF SHREWSBURY' instead of throwing money at things that are supposed to attract tourists, you will probably find if we invested in a top notch riverside theatre, it would bring more visitors into the town than a 'Shrewsbury museam', lets build sporting facilities to be proud of, lets build new parks and woodlands on the outskirts of the town etc...etc...etc...
The people in power need to give something to the people of the town for a change.
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Post by ianwhit on Jan 7, 2004 11:17:45 GMT 1
totally agree with kickin bloke on this (first time for everything) it's about making buildings work for the people of shrewsbury, what good is a museum to me? anyway move it there when the music hall moves, that would make a proper museum of town rather than a tiny little building. then we can turn rowleys house into a larger car park and expand the art gallery into the old music hall.... could be tate shrewsbury, now that would help the profile of the town. or maybe they'll actually do something with the flaxmill, that would have made a nice council offices and saved a historical buidling... local town planning the only thing more emotive than music and football
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matt
Midland League Division One
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Post by matt on Jan 7, 2004 11:28:33 GMT 1
totally agree with kickin too. the cinema is a fantastic idea, i love going to see 'boring arty french films' at the music hall (each to their own i guess TBH), in a much MUCH nicer environment then when i go to see the hollywood chewing gum for the eyes e that is dealt out at cineworld. and from what ive heard the new cinema is a HUGE improvement on the music hall. cant wait to see it open. and 100K for what they've done there sounds like a bargain and money well spent to me, they could've easily spent a hell of a lot more on a project like this.
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Post by pab on Jan 7, 2004 11:28:48 GMT 1
sorry chaps, but that seems a tad daft to me. I accept he may be a nice guy who does a lot for charity but if the council wants to spend money on a statue ( do they really have to??) what about Arthur Rowley. This really reflects the problem with town, its "leaders" are totally devoid of good ideas. We have two famous sons known nationwide, Clive, ( of India, not my old biology teacher) and Charles Darwin. Nothing in the last couple of hundred years and the council seem determined to keep it that way. Can anyone give me a good reason to spend millions of tax payers money on converting one of the towns historical gems into an 80 seater cinema when half a mile down the road, youve got a purpose built multiplex cinema with loads of parking and good allround access? They are bloody mad. Next theyll be suggesting someone drives tourists around the quarry in an open top double decker!!. Better still, why not arrange power boat racing or rally driving in the dingle, at least it would draw a crowd. Lets face it, if your not middle class and middle aged you dont stand a chance in this town.
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Post by MRJPSHREW on Jan 7, 2004 11:35:42 GMT 1
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Post by MRJPSHREW on Jan 7, 2004 11:37:04 GMT 1
Pab said: "Lets face it, if your not middle class and middle aged you dont stand a chance in this town"
How I agree with that!!!!
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Post by kickinpretty on Jan 7, 2004 11:45:06 GMT 1
It seems that many of you dont really understand what You are getting, Shrewsbury has for once made a very bold move by investing in the future - it is not just a cinema but a building to encourage new media learning, digital arts etc. It will be a building that will attract heavy use from locals as well as tourists; it will provide facilities for the layman and for business that isn’t seen outside of the more cosmopolitan cities of Europe. What the hell is a museum going to do for you or me? Wake up people, move into the 21st Century, the digital age is upon us; the market hall will have massive benefits for Shrewsbury in many ways. Don’t knock it just yet, it hasn’t even opened
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Post by wiganshrew2 on Jan 7, 2004 11:48:40 GMT 1
Shrewsbury could have it all, if they had some people with imagination AND sense on the council. The thing is - who are pulling their strings? Are they being worked by the Nimbys who don't want Shrewsbury to change? I was born in Wellington- but always had more feeling for Shrewsbury, although we lived about the same distance from both places. Of course there was more to do in Shrewsbury than there was in Market Drayton!!- and Telford was still a planner's dream. Strangely enough, my friends and I , as teenagers, DID visit Rowley's Mansion, picnic in the Dingle..etc.. as well as trawling round the shops. But we were 6th formers- into History and English Literature. It's not everyone's taste. We did manage to see Adam Faith perform in Shrewsbury, too- that really dates me- he was a singer,then!! (Also- I've performed at The Music Hall- they used to have music festivals there, for local school choirs.) Don't knock Museums- my grandson loved Rowley's Mansion- and The Castle Museum- and he likes to think he's cool!! Mant teens and pre-teens like the Military stuff- and the fashion for Tolkein has given many kids an interest in Medieval type things. It would be a great pity if Shrewsbury became elitist, though- it needs someone to think of the poorer families who couldn't afford theatre visits. (It wasn't always so- theatre audiences in Shakespeare's time came from all walks of life.) It could be a town that retains the best of the old, but combines it with the best of the new. It's unique, it's beautiful- but it needs to move forward. They would benefit so much from a new stadium, sports complex and new hotel on the outskirts. WHY do they keep putting obstacles in the way? My son-in-law tells me that Telford benefitted from European funding- that's why it offers so many facilities now. But Shrewsbury is a REAL town- and it has something that Telford will never have- beauty and character. Living away from it, I can appreciate that more now than I did when it was only half-an-hour's journey away. Incidentally- don't knock tourists- they bring money in. My friend from Scotland was very impressed with The Parade Shopping Centre. (It was still The Royal Salop Infirmary when I was a lass, of course.) (Sorry- I'm rambling again- it's what I do!! I'll be late for work!)
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Post by pawlo on Jan 7, 2004 11:48:54 GMT 1
Thats it. Im going to complain to the copyrights commission. The "art" in the top right hand corner is an exact replica of a design my 18 month old grandson created in play school yesterday, infact he creates it every 6 to 8 hours and keeps it hidden in his nappy in an attempt to hide his genious.
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matt
Midland League Division One
Posts: 310
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Post by matt on Jan 7, 2004 12:03:33 GMT 1
Pab said: "Lets face it, if your not middle class and middle aged you dont stand a chance in this town" How I agree with that!!!! so what is it exactly that non-'middle class and middle aged' people want then? ? its obviously not a state of the art digital cinema or a statue of a town cryer, we've established that. a whippet racing arena then perhaps? or a flat cap emporium maybe? ;-) c'mon! anyone whos so blatently upset about this cinema just because it doesnt suit THEIR tastes are verging on being as bad as the anti-football lot. try telling me otherwise.
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Post by kickinpretty on Jan 7, 2004 12:13:26 GMT 1
Well said matt - ;D
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Post by MRJPSHREW on Jan 7, 2004 12:14:17 GMT 1
How long before Shrewsbury is no longer twinned with Zuthen because of all the coffee/tea shop, antique shops, restaurants we have it'll soon be twinned with Ludlow.
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Post by True_Shrew on Jan 7, 2004 12:17:55 GMT 1
The key is to find the right balance for both locals and tourists trade, but with the current council in place this is not going to happen. There are too many fuddy-duddy's who's self rightous opinions are strangerling this towns chance for growth- and it's a case of put up or shut up with whatever they do.
There are enough places within this town to start real development for the people of Shrewsbury- but have they ever asked what the people of Shrewsbury really want? NO
I don't believe the statue is a good idea, but Martin should be recognised for the work he has done.
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Post by pawlo on Jan 7, 2004 12:31:46 GMT 1
Im not upset by it, honest, what irritates the bugger out of me though, is that when Shrewsbury Town try to do something inovative, we cant possibly spend council tax money like that, but spend a few million converting a beautiful old building into a very small cinema and arts centre ( we have an arts college and arts centre already!) then moneys no object. Why does the council spend its money on arts centres and arty french films? Cos it fits in with thier vision of Salop being a quaint middle class, middle aged town, very nicey nicey.
How much are they going to spend on the Theatre, again something that will appeal to the middle aged middle classes. How many modern pop/rock bands are going to unpack their guitars to play in front of 700 people? None that spring to mind. On the other hand, I can think of a few that would do it for 10.000 people.
If there is a demand for the arty suff in this town then private companys should be encouraged to set up privately. Isnt that the attitude the council have towards Shrewsbury Town supporters?
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 7, 2004 13:15:30 GMT 1
c'mon! anyone whos so blatently upset about this cinema just because it doesnt suit THEIR tastes are verging on being as bad as the anti-football lot. try telling me otherwise. I think that if a £40,000 consultation exercise comes up with removing some seats and building a "digital arts centre" then that is a waste of money if they did really want a decent digital arts centre surely they should have made it bigger, in a better location, with car parking, possibly linked to a local college such as SCAT or the sixth form, so it could be used through the day and integrated within the education system the mileage of a small cinema with no car parking and a niche market of films is no more or less "representative" o the people of shrewsbury than a museum, it is just that you like it more. Inf act, I would say it was less representative, less attractive to visitors and less useful tot he town as a whole, that is my opinion The suggestion a little cinema in an old building will attract more tourists than a decent museum is just plain fallacy, and building something for people outside the town is actually great for the people fo shrewsbury because those visitors bring money into the town that is why the riverside theatre is such a great concept as for the Maltings, it is an utter shambles, a disgrace, only our town could let that rot while we spend £15 million on a new building, it is laughable I think it a wonderful idea having a digital arts centre for the people fo shrewsbury, but to build it in an inaccessable site with no room for expansion or car parking is just a waste of a decent concept
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Post by Glasgow Shrew on Jan 7, 2004 13:41:44 GMT 1
This is an interesting discussion since everyone has different opinions on what they want Shrewsbury to be.
This is one of the reasons why new developments are delayed whatever they are.
On this thread the new Cinema, Statue and New Meadow has been mention all which will/have/can contribute to the Town but will not please everyone.
Shrewsbury has/is becoming less distinguishable each year and looks like any other small town, if you walk through the town centre you could almost anywhere else since all the shops are the same as in other local small towns e.g Wrexham, Chester etc
Living in Glasgow i have the benefit of going in to the Shopping Centres or Walking down Byres Rd which offer two completely different experiences – Shrewsbury could offer the same
This is especially true when it comes to Cinemas with yet another old small Cinema being opened up offering a smaller more intimate viewing experience where you can book a couch instead of normal seats - both are popular and offer something to the community.
I say bring on the Cinema's, Bring on the Statue's and new stadium - as long as they add character to the town are accessible and offer something to attract both the tourists and the locals it has to be good
BTW what is St Jullians used for nowadays or is this another strong historic feature being left to rot?
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Post by St Julian on Jan 7, 2004 13:57:33 GMT 1
It is being used as a meeting centre during the week for different non-profit groups and churches
and is the home of Shrewsbury Evangelical Church on Sundays
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Post by Pilch on Jan 7, 2004 14:04:06 GMT 1
can we have a statue of eric trevor sitting on a bench in the square ?
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Post by HinstockWiganshrew on Jan 7, 2004 15:43:44 GMT 1
I know Byres Road, Glasgowshrew- our friend lives within easy walking distance; she lives in Partickhill Road. I agree- Shrewsbury could (and to some extent, does) offer a similar experience) - all the big name shops within a shopping precinct, and little Medieval streets selling unusual speciality things. Byres road, of course, has the "lanes" running off from it- very cosmopolitan, frequented by students, small pubs with live performers..etc.. I often think Shrewsbury misses out because it doesn't have a University- and why not? There's now a campus at Telford- part of the University of Wolverhampton- O.K- so it's an ex-Poly- but it brings in young people and young ideas. Middle Class? How do you define that? I suppose I could be regarded as middle-class because I'm a professional- but my family would be hard to define. They definitely had "middle- class values"- my mother and my aunts were privately educated- but my grandfather and grandmother kept pubs (and made enough money to send their children to private schools, music lessons..etc..!!) Publicans and sinners in my ancestory!!! On my father's side- a line of station masters and railway office clerks. Not really middle class. Probably explains why my tastes are so diverse. I like every sort of music from Mozart to ear-splitting Rock- and every sort of live experience from Shakespeare at Ludlow- to Football at The Gay Meadow. Middle- Aged? According to some definitions, I'm verging on elderly!! But, like my Aunt, who's very lively even at 80,-I'm still up for lots of excitement and new experiences. They can't assume all middle aged people want everything to stand still! So I can't get my head round it when people want to hold Shrewsbury back. It could be everything- historic, beautiful,- and yet lively, vibrant and offering a wealth of facilities. I love Shrewsbury- and I want to see it flourish- it should be firmly on the map, and have the reccognition, nationally and internationally, that it deserves. I'm sorry if I've rambled again! I just pour it all out and hope there's something relevant in there, somewhere! I do feel very strongly about the whole issue of Shrewsbury's future in general- and the new stadium in particular- that's why I wrote to the Shropshire Star.
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Post by pawlo on Jan 7, 2004 15:50:23 GMT 1
All I really want is a level playing field ( along with a number of other conference club supporters ;D ). Shrewsbury is being set up almost exclusively for the benefit of people from else where. I have no problem with people coming here to visit. But lets not forget those who live here. Money is spent on the park and ride left right and centre, but the local bus service is poor. How many people who actualy live in Shrewsbury use the park and ride? The council are going to spend millions building a new cattle market. Why? I thought agriculture was a dying business. How many Farmers live in Shrewsbury? Exactly how much does Shrewsbury gain from having one? I like museums, but Ive only been to Rowleys and the Castle once? I pay a lot of Council Tax to subsidise them and yet get bugger all in return.Its time the council was run for the benefit of the people of Shrewsbury. Not to massage the egos of small minded councillors, but for us. This town is dying on its feet and whilst the football ground is only one symptom, the disease has been present for years.
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