Rationale for Bandstand

There are a number of very good reasons for constructing a bandstand on the Waits paved area.

1. A fitting memorial to mark the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the nations longest serving Monarch.

2. This area frequently sees concerts and the bandstand will provide a permanent shelter for performers, reducing the amount of work organisers have to do.

3. With an electric supply,(most probably in one of the legs) this will allow music and light to be used without the need to install a temporary cable.

4. The structure will visually enhance the area.

5. It will encourage more use of this attractive riverside setting, encouraging more people to visit this part of the town, which over the years has seen a reduced footfall.

6. The cost of erecting a bandstand here is relatively low as it will not need a raised floor.The paved area is higher than the grass area and the flower bed would not obstruct the view of performers under the bandstand.

7. Whilst a raised floor looks attractive it would add considerable cost and create areas that rubbish could collect, making maintenance and cleaning more difficult than at present.

8. The bandstand could be customised with images that have links with St Ives. For example each of the six legs could have the St Ives Town Council Bull motive on them. A frieze around the top could incorporate images such as the Seven Wives, historic cattle, willow baskets etc.

9. It would be possible to also provide recognition for those people and companies that might contribute to the funding of the bandstand.The bandstand could last for many years and the recognition of those who contributed will also be a lasting legacy of their generosity.

10.Whilst the location of the bandstand could be anywhere in the paved area, the location suggested has two valuable advantages. Firstly it leaves the maximum paved area undisturbed allowing to be used for many other uses, such as Morris Dancing.The bandstand and performers will be more visible from the grass area as well as from the paved area.

JMS 28 November 2021