I WRITE in support of any attempt to save the Victoria Hall as a venue.

It is a fine building with a long history and a splendid venue for music of all kinds. I know from good authority that it has probably the finest acoustic in the North of England and has been used extensively for recordings by several professional orchestras.With 1300 seats it is the biggest venue we have in the area.

In addition to professional concerts it is has also been the home to years of choral music – with its raked stage it is ideal to showcase a choir and orchestra and also the multitude of Schools Music events. Bolton boasts one of the best Music Services in the UK, a fabulous Symphony Orchestra, the stunning Smithills Band & several excellent choirs - we need a place for them to perform.

I am sure that the newly renovated Albert Hall will be lovely and definitely more comfortable but it is limited by its flat stage , its duller acoustic and its limited audience capacity. Also I understand that Bolton Council have no intention of subsidising the cost of hire to make it accessible to amateur groups which is wrong and sad. Music making is not about profit and loss - it is about making the participants and the audiences fulfilled and happy. It is also often about the milestones in children’s lives and about raising funds for charities such as Bolton Hospice.

My memories go back at least sixty years - it was where I saw the Halle Orchestra for the first time and many famous musicians – John Barbirolli, Isobel Bailey, Shura Cherkasky , John Ogden etc. I am sure many people have similar treasured memories.

Come on Bolton Council – be proud of the musical heritage in the town and support the Victoria Hall to be part of a vibrant cultural scene.

Sheila Tonge

Vice President

Bolton Hospice