As you will no doubt be aware, we received the terrible news this week that the Conservative Government plan to sell Whitton’s, Kneller Hall. As a Councillor in the neighbouring ward, I am doing all that I can to support Whitton Councillor, Liz Jaeger in her efforts to reverse this announcement and save the facility for local people.
Cllr Ehmann noted:
“The announcement of the sale of Kneller Hall was a total shock to the community and the Government plans to sell off our heritage and a key part of our community will be fought every step of the way by the Liberal Democrats.”
To this end, local Councillors have launched a petition against Kneller Hall’s closure and it has north of 100 signatures already. I would be most grateful if you could promote this petition to your readerships and encourage them to show their support for Kneller Hall.
Comments
Sad to lose a beautiful building and a cultural music centre hosting super summer concerts.
Barbara Wren on 2016-01-21 19:13:32 +0000Since we are told that the sale of Kneller Hall is to fulfil a need for housing. Why doesn't the Conservative government back up its promise not to build an extra runway at Heathrow and build houses on some of the land that has been bought for it.? Instead of destroying more of our local heritage. .. It would still mean more congestion but perhaps for a more worthwhile reason.
Lesley Christiane on 2016-01-22 04:46:48 +0000Hi, I've signed this. I fear this wonderful building will go the way of so many others locally (Brunel, the Star&Garter). But I think the petition organisers (LibDems) need to change the function of sharing it on social media. If you try and SHARE the survey on facebook it doesn't portray an image of Kneller Hall, but instead a LibDem motif. I think that will put people off sharing it.
Rob K on 2016-01-22 05:43:22 +0000I'm starting a volunteer project there next Wednesday, cleaning and storing the old instruments
Jenny Lebus on 2016-01-22 08:50:53 +0000What is to happen to the Royal Military School of Music? This seems very short sighted for a national centre of excellence and a great pity for us locally.
Ben on 2016-01-24 03:06:50 +0000I am not local but am among thousands who would support a protest campaign to retain this military, musical and architectural heritage. Why don't you locals set one up on change.irg or some website like that?
Colin Groves on 2016-01-25 02:42:52 +0000Yes, it is is very sad to hear of the demise of Kneller Hall but.....it does seem something of an anachronism that the RMSM still occupies the same premises as it did 150 years ago, when "Britain" was seriously awash in cash and national pride, both in short supply these days. Like many other "iconic" buildings, it needs to be sold to pay for the mess left by the bankers....and if that isn't worth sacrificing our heritage for, what is?
Ian on 2016-01-25 10:21:20 +0000I'm a Canadian Army graduate of the Student Bandmaster course at Kneller Hall. Since 1857 KH has been the home of the Royal Military School of Music, considered around the world as the centre for the finest band music on the planet. Originally the home of court painter Sir Godfrey Kneller, it is a double landmark of British heritage and tradition. Politicians who would sell it to be demolished have no respect for either, so next on the list might well be Buckingham Palace. Britain doesn't need politicians like this, so get rid of them.
Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Henry Currie on 2016-03-20 23:33:44 +0000