| Topic: | Meetings at Brandlehow School | |
| Posted by: | Alan Duffy | |
| Date/Time: | 23/05/07 22:44:00 |
| It would be a shame if because of the seemingly irrational concerns of a few local schools were denied the chance to earn some extra revenue and play a broader role in the community. There doesn't appear to be any clear explanation from the people who object to these meetings apart from the fact that they think Christianity is inherently a bad thing. Banning these groups from schools would presumably mean that all religious groups should be banned from meeting in schools. Apart from the fact that there are relatively few halls available for meeting in the area this would further exclude ethnic minority groups who would presumably find some value in meeting at a school their children attend. Having banned religious groups where do you stop? The scouts - too militaristic! The WI - sexist they don't let in men! Weightwatchers - fattist! Crochet club - all those sharp implements - Health and Safety! As a result we end up with an empty public asset that could have been generating a revenue. Less money available for the kids at Brandlehow and others if crazy bans like this were implemented. As an aside I took the opportunity to visit the Natural Cafe recently as suggested by someone earlier in this thread. It was truly an excellent experience - superb fair trade coffee and sandwiches. Why are people giving this place a hard time when it is up against fiercely competitive corporate giants like Starbucks? Natural Cafe offer a superior product but, due to competition, hiring the place out to groups after hours is probably an important source of extra revenue just like it is for Brandlehow School. I hope for the sake of good coffee and good education in Putney they are allowed to continue. |