Bad vibrations

PERHAPS the most memorable sound at the Taste was on Sunday afternoon, while the main venue was prepared for the New Year’s Eve festivities. As we walked through Salamanca, we never saw the musicians but we certainly felt their presence. The pavements vibrated and soundwaves ricocheted off the buildings and followed us to Sandy Bay Rd. I was glad we could walk away, but what about the tourists and residents? Let’s have some feedback. Do they feel irritated or invigorated by an environment where speech is impossible?

Excessive penalty

AS manager of Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay in Newport, Sydney, from 1988-2007, I had the privilege of employing two outstanding young sailors as tender boys (marine assistants), Mark Richards and James Spithill. Both men have forged incredible success in the yachting world. The last few days in the Sydney-Hobart they threw every skill they possess at each other over 600 nautical miles and, by the fate of the sailing gods, Wild Oats 11 finished first. We have all seen the near collision at the start between Comanche and Wild Oats X! and international judges ruled that an infringement had occurred. I

Shuttle a great ride

I AGREE the parking hike in Salamanca was uncalled for (Letters, January 1). What was Hobart City Council thinking? However, we parked in Melville St carpark and caught the free Salamanca shuttle which picked up at HCC carparks in the city and Regatta Grounds. The Salamanca shuttle was a great ride, friendly driver and very pleasant way to start the day.

Street theatre wonder

TASTE of Tasmania’s street theatre “refugees” are alive and well. Moonshine Club’s Summer Circus Cabaret was a wonderful treat of street theatre by mostly local performers. After the Taste decision to abandon the International Buskers Festival, these performers strutted their stuff at The Sepulchre in Davey St to remind us entertainment is not just music. It was a wonderfully varied program of aerial balance, acrobatics, gymnastics, juggling, dance and science, and laughter, in an amazing

Challenge to critics

I DON’T complain about fair criticism, however letters published yesterday cannot go unchallenged.

Shuttle bus: I personally advocated to retain the shuttle bus from the Regatta Grounds to the Taste but was over-ruled due to budget restraints. I find the comments that I have no compassion or concern offensive as I have a very good understanding of disability because my partner is disabled, and of course I care. This decision is an operational issue and certainly not under my control.

Parking: Parking income does not subsidise the Taste. All parking revenue goes back into parking initiatives.

Parking: I stated the obvious, a parking fine will cost $37 whilst you can have four hours of parking and enjoyment of all the activities on the waterfront for $10 in the Salamanca Car Park.

Legacy bridge: The council put the naming of the bridge out to the public who overwhelmingly supported Legacy Link. The majority of aldermen (myself included) voted to accept this and forward the information to the Nomenclature Board for acceptance. The RSL and Friends of the Soldiers Walk have lobbied the board against this decision and that is where it is stuck. It is another issue over which I have no control.