I have to day been told that The Monkwood, Rawmarsh is
hosting a meeting of the BNP on Thursday 22nd October. ....
The Rawmarsh Mashers and Acoustic Rotherham would like to
record their protest to the hosting of this event by The Monkwood. ....
No matter what the reasoning behind Martin’s decision to
allow the meeting in his Pub, (and we would not presume to dictate how he
should run his business), cannot be good for either the name of the Pub nor for
the racial harmony within the local Community.....
We’re sorry that Martin has decided to give a platform to the
messages of hate that the BNP propagate.
While the principle of free speech is fundamental, we should at least
record our protest when some people propagate policies that undermine the basic
liberalism that underpins our society and would take those privileges away from
those who share in and contribute to our society. ....
The Mashers and Acoustic Rotherham have attempted to give
The Monkwood its full support over the past few years, hosting Gigs and various
music events, and encouraging other music promoters to use the Pub. ....
We will now of course find this difficult to do in future. ....
We would ask all the acts appearing at Acoustic Rotherham 5,
if they feel so moved, to make their contempt for the hosting of the BNP
meeting known during their spots at The Monkwood on Sunday. ....
I have also invited the local Unity Against Fascism Branch
to say a few brief words at the start of the Special Guest Spot on Sunday – I trust
artists will be understanding. ....
The Unity Against Fascism Representative has asked people to
call Martin 01709 5255808 or 522524 to make your views known – we would support
this. ....