The weather was great, the music fantastic: an event presented by a witty compere and supported by awesome audio mixing.
I and friends attended the inaugural Bangalow Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, and had a fabulous time. Families danced and tapped to the music in the winter sun.
It was spoiled only by an off-note at the end of the day.
I’m talking of the presentation of $10,000 of fundraising to the proponents of the controversial rail trail.
This family event was advertised as ‘All proceeds to support Arts and Culture’ and the donation of $5,000 to the Arts in Schools program fits that aim, and is most welcome.
But having the bulk of the funds raised go to a political lobby group, which was all prepared with publicity props and the Tweed mayor in tow, somehow doesn’t feel right.
Why wasn’t the event promoted primarily as a Rail Trail fundraiser? Why wasn’t the Byron mayor there? And how much ‘art and culture’ is really involved in a lobby group’s activities?
I’m sure quite a few in the audience were puzzled by the Tweed mayor’s presence. Some in the audience, surprised by the turn of events, called out for trains to be brought back.
I felt like a second-hand banjo, a bit used!
Perhaps the organisers can consider a more transparent and even-handed approach to their worthy patronage when planning for next year’s event, and steer away from divisive issues.
Jim Richardson, Clunes
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
