Madam,

When I moved to Barmouth from the Midlands with my husband on our retirement in 2011, my friends and colleagues expressed concern about the ‘cultural desert’ I would be living in. I stoutly defended the area, citing Harlech Theatre and Harlech College as strong evidence that this part of the Cambrian coast is far from a cultural desert.

I have attended Theatr Harlech, easily accessible, and by public transport too, and have attended various events there, including meetings, social and fund-raising events, art exhibitions, live shows, in the form of a talent competition when I watched talented youngsters perform solo and choral singing, acrobatics and hula hooping on the stage. I bought paintings exhibited there. I’ve watched extraordinary films I would not otherwise have seen, sometimes sitting not far from a bucket placed to catch the raindrops leaking through the roof.

I marveled at the wonderful views of the Cambrian coast and envied those who had been fortunate enough to study at the college here, whilst wondering why the windows in the theatre coffee bar seemed never to be cleaned to make the most of the marvelous vista. I have wandered onto the patio though the cafe doors, glass of wine or cup of coffee in hand, during the interval of a show, to marvel at the sunset over Cardigan Bay. How good to be alive at such a moment!

This theatre, an iconic building, with its excellent acoustics and tiered seating for 256, once presented quality concerts and shows to suit all tastes, showing an impressive programme of films, art exhibitions, concerts and plays both by local and international artists and companies throughout the year, also playing host to art festivals, showing work by artists from around the world with a strong Welsh presence.

What now could I say to defend this part of the Cambrian Coast from accusations that it is a cultural desert? I would certainly do my best but I would be unconvincing.

Where was the political will to carry out repairs when necessary?

Why did not our representatives in the Welsh Assembly and at Westminster protest at this appalling neglect? Dafydd Elis-Thomas has been AM for this area for many years. He is now Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport. Under his watch, this appalling piece of cultural vandalism has been allowed to happen. Shame on him.

Yours etc,

Deborah Dakin, St John’s Hill, Barmouth.

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