A MEETING at Sling Social and Recreation Club last Wednesday has resulted in the formation of a steering group to evaluate the future of Scarr Bandstand.

Organised by West Dean Parish Council, the meeting saw representatives of several Forest organisations, plus interested local people, come together to decide the potential for the old bandstand.

The meeting heard that the redevelopment of the bandstand held many possibilities, and that it potentially could host a variety of different entertainments, including its traditional role as a stage for the local brass and silver bands. Additional ideas for the public to enjoy included storytelling, theatre productions, poetry readings, and circus skills, plus organised picnics.

Mention was also made of the idea of possibly using the venue, situated as it is in a classic dell in the Forest, as a location for weddings, pagan handfastings, and civil partnerships.

Under the chairmanship of Bill Galer, and clerked by Dave Kent, around 25 people attended the meeting, and several spoke on various topics surrounding the bandstand, before a decision was reached to move forward on the future of the structure by forming a steering group. This is hoped to be the forerunner of a more formal trust to oversee the development of the site.

The first meeting of this group will be tonight (Wednesday, October 14), at Sling Social Club at 6pm.

They hope that the steering group can look into the possibility of identifying funds to help finance the project, and to also look at the possibility of developing a larger car park than the bandstand has at present.

The group has the support of the Forestry Commission, who have generously ageed to continue with the clearing of undergrowth from around the bandstand, which is ongoing.