Whilst we were as enthusiastic as anyone about the plans for the Playhouse, unfortunately we cannot say the same about the Dome proposals.

As it was pointed out at the meeting, this iconic and historic building is fast approaching its centennial year. The Dome was designed and built for dancing, performing and singing, and this notion was supported by a number of attendees at the meeting (although this is not highlighted in the minutes of the meeting published online!).

Over the years it has been used for a variety of music and entertainment purposes, from ballroom dancing to live rock music. It has a rich history of being full of life.

We were therefore bewildered by the CQ's plans to re-invent the Dome as a venue in which to play chess, Scrabble and Yahtzee. The Dome was not built to sit quietly in.

The success of the Dome as a Mind Sports Centre relies heavily on "national and international" visitors to the area. As the CQ proposes one major Mind Sports event per month, who will support the
Dome the remaining 24 days of the month, as it won't cater for a large proportion of the Whitley Bay demographic (i.e. families with young children)?

Mind Sports is too niche. It has limited cultural value, and there won't be enough local interest to sustain it.

As a concept, we are not opposed to Mind Sports and perhaps it could have a place in the Dome. However, we feel that it is not a strong enough idea to spearhead the revival of the Dome, and for that matter, Whitley Bay.

We understand that this is currently the only proposal for the Dome, but it doesn't mean it has to be accepted by the council. The Dome has stood empty for years. North Tyneside Council should bide its time for another bid, or for CQ to rethink theirs.

Gerry Beldon of CQ has stated: "The Dome is a building in need of an idea. Mind Sports is an idea in need of a home".

Our idea is that Mind Sports doesn't need a permanent home because it can be played in the home.

At the meeting Mr Beldon also pointed out that there was currently no national or international centre for Mind Sports. We wonder if Mr Beldon has asked himself "why"?

RICHARD and LINDSAY BOWN
Clifton Terrace,
Whitley Bay

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