Arts & Culture
A CHORUS OF SUPPORT Colin Ward
B
ridport Music is one of many local independent shops that exemplify the vibrant and individual character of the community’s high street. Trading for over forty years, the current owners, Piers and Steph, have been at the centre of the music trade in the town. Hardly surprising then that when news of the shop closing in October spread there was a big response. Although the business has been on the market for two years, there has yet to be a firm offer made by an individual prospective owner. The announcement of the closure on social media sparked interest from a range of individuals with entrepreneurial and community spirit who really want to see Bridport Music continue beyond October. The plan to ‘Save Bridport Music’ was born. 18 | Bridport Times | September 2019
The Overture
A meeting was held on Monday 29th July at the Ropemakers, one of the many local pubs that brings musicians in from far and wide every week. An impressive gathering of thirty-two people attended, all showing their support in different ways. Billy Bragg even gave a shout-out on Twitter. In addition to those wanting to support in a voluntary capacity or offering to take on part-time roles running the shop, great interest was shown by those willing to make financial investments in a new community-run company. Many suggestions were made about how the business could be maintained and moved forward, building on the legacy it already holds. It took just a week for the pledges of investment to reach an astonishing £50,000. A core group met on