You are currently browsing the monthly archive for November 2007.
The council confirmed that it destroyed over 100,000 books. The local paper reports on the story.The council’s cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, Cllr Geraldine Reardon has yet to comment on this matter.This is the same department and officers that are responsible for the cuts, reduction in staff and opening hours at Vestry House Museum and William Morris Gallery.
Today’s local Guardian has published a story stating that the upgrading of Lorna Lee’s job from the museums service manager to Head of Libraries, Museum and Gallery’s, moving her up 4 civil service grades, means the council has broken their own employement law. Read the story.Since Ms Lee’s appointment, the heritage for William Morris Gallery and Vestry House Museum budget has been drastically cut, experienced staff have been made redundant following the cuts, and part-time opening hours have been introduced - meaning a massive reduction in access. Further to these cuts, one popular library has been closed, and over 200,000 books have gone missing - the local paper reported these may have been burned.
Clearly not a surprise to the readers of this blog, Waltham Forest Council lack vision according to a peer to peer report carried out by various councils nationwide. The local Guardian reports on the story.
What is going on in the Cultural Services department of Waltham Forest Council?First they drastically cut the opening hours, staff and budget for Vestry House Museum and William Morris Gallery, then they close St James St Library, a well loved and well used Library and finally it’s been revealed this week 250,000 plus books may have been destroyed.Read the story in the local paper or sign up to the campaign to re-open the library.
Antiscrap benefit 03Poetry + Music @ the William Morris Culture ClubThe Plough Inn173 Wood Street[opposite Wood Street main line station]Walthamstow E17Tuesday 20 Novemberfrom 7.30pmAntiscrap have arranged a fine evening of poetry and music to delight, elevate and surprise. Performers have have agreed are:Russ ChandlerDavid John & MargaretThe Forest StringsRoger HuddleJim KaneRos KaneGraham LarkbeyMakola MyambikaOther TheresaMarion SpiroTania Schoultz£5/£3 on the door.Please download the flyer here.
See this weeks Guardian story about the threat to the William Morris Collection.
See this weeks local Guardian for press coverage and quotes from Cllr Reardon about withdrawing from the De Morgan plan.
Last week, The New Statesman covered the story of William Morris Gallery see Labours Lost Inspiration and also, Council policy on Morris Gallery is ‘bizarre’ in the local Guardian.
This downloadable open letter from Kate Catleugh says the council have withdrawn from the De Morgan plan, she also responds to everyone that wrote to her.