Festival committee don’t want a ‘slagging match’
The Landemer Committee has said it does not wish to start a “slagging match” with a politician after a series of comments made by MP Margaret Ferrier.
The committee is believed to have been left disappointed with Ms Ferrier’s comments comparing Landemer Day with Cambuslang’s Summerfest.
We reported two weeks ago that Ms Ferrier was calling on Summerfest in Cambuslang to receive the same £4100 funding as Landemer.
She said Cambuslang brought in more in council tax receipts than Rutherglen and rubbished the council’s explanation that Landemer was a historic event.
A special meeting, not open to the public, of the Landemer committee was held at West and Wardlawhill Church last Thursday to discuss her comments.
The Reformer understands most of the committee were unhappy with her comments, with some believing they were divisive and could drive a wedge between the two towns.
But it was decided not to take the issue further.
After the meeting secretary of the Landemer Committee, Ian Duncan said: “We do not wish to get involved in a slagging match with any politician but we would like to point out that Landemer is not just a gala day but a week-long festival of events.
“We organise a sports day at the Lifestyle centre, encouraging youngsters to get into sports as well as the fun run which is for school children all across Rutherglen and Cambuslang. All children who participate are presented with good quality trophies.
“We also have an art s competition to encourage art and a general knowledge schools quiz.
“We do not forget our older residents and pay for entertainment at nursing homes. This year it was David Walker House and last year Rodger Park with the Queen in attendance.
“It was quoted by Geraldine McCann, head of administration and legal services, that both Lanimer and Landemer are large scale events with additional historic aspects.
“We are a non- political organisation. Article three of our constitution states that we are nonpolitical and non-sectarian and the committee is open to all residents.”
Margaret Ferrier MP said: “My support for Summerfest is in no way an attack on Landemer Day, and I’m disappointed it has been interpreted by some as such. Landemer Day is fully deserving of the financial support it receives, and if there were ever moves to cut its funding - as has happened with Summerfest - then the Landemer Committee would find me fighting their corner with equal might.
“With a rapidly growing population, and council tax income increasing at a rate of half a million pounds each year, Cambuslang should see support for it’s annual festival maintained, not cut.”
Landemer began in 1974 with Summerfest starting in 2000.
Both Landemer and Lanimer Day receive funding through the executive committee while Summerfest apply for a community grant through the local area committee. They had received £4000 up until 2013 when the amount was halved to £2000.
My support for Summerfest is in no way an attack on Landemer Day- Margaret Ferrier MP