No Arts Council representation as Burnavon celebrates

Despite being invited to the show which was arranged to mark ten years since the theatre’s inception, no explanation was given as to why no one from the funding body was able to come to this landmark occasion.

An invitation had been issued to the Chief Executive and the chairman but a reply had been issued to let organisers know that no one was available.

The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure Nelson McCausland was also invited to the event in Cookstown, but due to unforeseen circumstances he had to send his apologies.

Speaking at last Tuesday night’s meeting of Cookstown District Council, Ulster Unionist Cllr Trevor Wilson said it had been a successful ten years for the Burnavon, and for no one to turn up, was disappointing. He also pointed out the amount of work and effort that had gone into preparing for the event.

The DUP’s Ian McCrea said he had spoken to the Minister and added that it was out of his control that he was unable to attend. At that stage Cllr McCrea had asked to ensure that another official was able to attend.

SDLP Cllr James McGarvey said it was ‘inconceivable’ that no one could come. And he suggested recording the council’s disappointment by sending a letter and this was seconded by party colleague Peter Cassidy.

Manager of the Burnavon Tony McCance told the MAIL Minister Nelson McCausland had every intention of attending, but at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances was unable to do so.

Meanwhile Mid-Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong has congratulated the Burnavon on reaching its tenth anniversary.

The Ulster Unionist representative said the Burnavon has become well-established as a venue for the arts in Cookstown, and is the only one of its kind in the area.

“Over the past ten years it has provided a venue for plays, musicals, festivals, exhibitions and conferences which has been a real asset to both Cookstown and the wider Mid-Ulster area,” he said.

He said both local people and tourists have been through the doors in their thousands and its success is testament both to the foresight of bodies such as Cookstown Council who fought to establish such a centre, and to the hard work and dedication of the staff.

“Having enjoyed great success in the past ten years I take great pleasure in wishing the Burnavon and its staff continued success for the next decade,” he added.

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