ave you heard the gossip? The rumour doing the rounds is that The King’s is becoming a nightclub. Nightclub is an emotive word conjuring up all sorts of pictures in the mind and most we do not want here in Tavistock!

Gossip and rumour can play upon our fears and selfishness. Reactions spark up, memories of past offences loom large and rash action can be provoked. Another article in this issue examines our struggle with offences and unforgiveness. About 18 years ago there was a nightclub at King’s (then known as The Snooker Hall) but in 1990 Tavistock Community Church bought it, bad reputation and all! Since, they have worked hard to help the community. The church has functioned there, the town’s youth have been entertained and trained, Keep Fit and Aerobics for the mums, Forum for the intellectuals, concerts, discos, parties, weddings and receptions have all contributed to the life of the town.

ow one or two local residents with long memories have stirred up the neighbours, raised a petition and involved the local town councillor to oppose what they think is happening. The sad story is that they have not asked the King’s about their plans. They have not looked at the history of help given the town nor asked if they could help. This results in polarising into for and against parties, the town councillor may lose much support already given him (many at The King’s are in his ward), and progress to help the less fortunate will be delayed.

King’s has plans to protect the neighbourhood from disturbance while providing recreation and entertainment that may well prove a moderating and protective factor to the benefit of the very people petitioning against it! Let us work together in a Christian way with faith to help rather than the fear that suppresses the vitality and hope in people. That fear often provokes vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

Listen out for the invitation to meet at the King’s to see the plans, voice your comments and offer your help. If you would like any specific issues raised at the consultation evening, either for or against any change of use at the King’s, please put them in writing to: Vince Edwards, General Manager, The King’s, Pixon Lane, Tavistock. We will ensure they are placed on the agenda.

Colin

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