Adam Afriyie

MP

Caring for people through choice, freedom, enterprise, and strong defence.

Let the Berkshire Music Play in Windsor!
16-Mar-07, Windsor Express Article.

Last Saturday I enjoyed a musical delight when visiting the Berkshire Maestros Orchestra’s rehearsal at the Windsor Music Centre located within Oakfield First School.

My visit was in response to concerns expressed by several parents, musicians and music lovers about the future of the centre, which has served the Windsor and Berkshire community for almost 25 years. It would certainly be a sad day if its future were unnecessarily jeopardized owing to controversial council plans.

Anne Brandon, the centre’s administrator, was kind enough to show me round despite my arrival at short notice and her enthusiasm and commitment was infectious. Hundreds of young musicians rehearse at the centre and the various music groups, which practice at this valuable facility, range from jazz and rock groups to choirs, bands and orchestras. They cater for young musicians of all abilities and encourage the participation in musical activities in a fun and educational way, enabling the young people to achieve their musical potential. The music centre generates great enthusiasm and a commitment from young people, parents and, of course, the energetic and talented staff and tutors.

I am deeply concerned that whilst the council have decided to convert the premises into a children’s centre, they have done so without finding an adequate site for the music centre to move to. Although the numerous music groups will be able to practice in other locations around the constituency, it is worrying that there will be nowhere for their valuable instruments and equipment to be stored securely.

On behalf of parents, young musicians and music lovers, I have strongly urged the council, considering the benefits which the Windsor Music Centre brings to the community, to find a new site before forcing the Centre out of their current site, which would allow our young musicians to continue making music.

I believe

People are happier when making their own decisions.

Business is the engine of the economy that generates our jobs, incomes and taxes.

Government should not interfere in our lives beyond protecting and defending us.