Originally published in the North Norfolk News, January 2008. Lightly proofread from the surviving column copy, with routine sign-offs or unrelated asides trimmed. The views, figures and circumstances are those of the period.
AT LAST! The North Norfolk District Council has done something right for the youth for once by giving ‘The Bunker’ in West Beckham a live music license.
For those that are unaware of this hidden gem it’s a concrete bunker that takes those miserable teenagers off the streets and gives them something to do. Reminds you of the war doesn’t it?
As mentioned in a previous copy of this newspaper, organiser David Mack wants to turn the building into somewhere safe where teenagers can go for a night out and listen to live music, and the council has just approved a license for this to go ahead.
Now you’re probably one of the many elderly readers that no doubt thinks it sounds like a terrible idea – teenagers all flocking to a war bunker in the middle of nowhere for what some might call a ‘rave’. But I’ve got to disagree.
For ages now I’ve mentioned that we’re losing our music scene to the moaning minnies. They’ve built elderly housing around such significant meeting points like the community centres and social clubs, and not a summer goes by when someone doesn’t ask for them to be closed down to keep the peace.
They’ll moan about the alcohol being near residential areas, they’ll moan about the noise keeping people awake, and they’ll moan about any signs of disorderly behaviour.
So what happens? Teenagers end up on the streets of Sheringham, Cromer and Holt with a bottle of alcohol, or end up organising illegal raves like those witnessed in Great Yarmouth. No fun at all, but who can blame them for trying to avoid the rules and regulations set upon these small venues?
But now that all seems set to change with the youth taking matters into their own hands – and doing something positive. Organisers of ‘The Bunker’ have applied for a 24-hour license for alcohol, refreshments and entertainment. There’ll be DJs, live bands and films, and the police will be overseeing the event to make sure it all runs smoothly.
Having been to a night last year at The Bunker during my time at college it is clearly that it is a popular venue attracts the interest of teenagers from all over the county, and it was one of the few events that brought everyone together.
It’s a step forward for the council to grant a license to this venue and it means regular events can take place with the right regulations in place.
And now for my plea. We spend too much money and time travelling to the city for live music, and it’s about time to work on setting up local venues that won’t upset to the elderly residents near by. Let’s all be positive and supportive and give north Norfolk’s teenagers somewhere to go on a Saturday night!