Brechin abandoned on Waterson issue
Sir, Crass commercialism was not the idealism that inspired Mrs Ann Waterson in her gift to the Brechin community when she presented the "David Waterson Memorial Collection" nor was it this factor which influenced the two artist's surviving sisters when they met the cost of framing the presented works.
Sadly this is the factor which has dogged this collection from its very inception to the present day.
The re-establishment of the collection for the very reason it was originally presented to the community is paramount; a "memorial" to her late husband. On this point there is no ambiguity nor can there be any interpretation of uncertainty.
Mr endeavours to involve the Brechin and District Community Council to represent the community on this matter in a letter sent to their convener on April 4, 2007 failed, and failed miserably.
The organising and the later voting for an independent "Steering Group" outside the auspices of the community council on the question of re-establishment of the D.M.W.C. As a unit was the deliberate negation of social responsibility.
Rather than forming any officially sanctioned community council "Sub-Committee" the convener and sitting members of the community council was in favour of an independent group. By doing so they did not represent the people of Brechin in a mature, reasoned, deserving and impartial manner.
Despite this state of affairs the community council leans' heavily on the three local Angus Councillors within the formed steering group for guidance.
I have before me a letter from Mr Norman Atkinson (Angus Council Cultural Service Manager), sent to the me on the May 25, 2007, with his latest and varied unsubstantiated assertion of ownership to the precise named collection on behalf of Angus Council.
Placed as a footnote to this letter is the information notification that the three local Angus Council Councillors have been passed a copy.
These three Angus Councillors were aware of the Angus Council's latest stance and position on the matter of the D.M.W.C. when they attended the community council meeting of May 28. They were aware when they attended the Steering Group meeting on May 30.
It is now my considered opinion that on the question of the David Waterson Memorial Collection the Brechin Community is presently in position of abandonment.
With these conditions prevailing the question of where does the Brechin community go from here must be answered. Three main objectives should be assessed to progress matters. 1) Identification = established 2002; 2) Establishment of community ownership = As formerly handed over in 1956; 3) Recognition from Angus Council of the "David Waterson Memorial Collection" = letter from Norman Atkinson May 25 2007, as copied to the three local Angus Councillors, Ruth Leslie Melville, Bob Myles and Mairi Evans.
The Brechin community are now in a position to view their collection. Therefore there should be no problem for any member of the Brechin community, who wishes to see the precise David Waterson Memorial Collection, to do so. It is now up to the community.
Yours etc.,
Robert Reid
Address supplied.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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