Facebook group calls for end to Victorian Week
NOT EVERYONE in Ilfracombe enjoys the week-long Victorian celebrations.
A Facebook group has been set up called: Ilfracombe Victorian Week. Please Make It Stop.
The description states it is "a group for the silent majority in Ilfracombe that are embarrassed, ashamed and slightly freaked out by this event".
And it encourages like-minded people to download a poster from their website, campaigning for the event to be dropped.
One group member, Laura Lain, told the
Journal
: "I do admit that Victorian Week used to be a good idea, it brought tourism and money to Ilfracombe.
"However, it is now a redundant idea. People are not attracted to the idea. Having a few people walking around looking like idiots just makes Ilfracombe a laughing stock. I would love nothing more than for it to just disappear."
But she adds: "As a daughter of a local shop owner, I grudgingly have to admit that if done properly it could work to the town's favour once again.
"The main type of tourists at this time of year are the elderly, I believe it would have some appeal to them. If the whole town got involved, if it was advertised better and if there was more to do, it could bring well needed tourism back to 'Combe."
Lyn Harper, chairman of the Victorian Week committee said: "I have just had three hotels contact me to say their customers, who didn't know about Victorian Week had enjoyed it so much that they have booked to come again next year.
"Another hotel said a coach trip out of the town went out half-full because people wanted to stay here and enjoy the celebrations — and this is all bringing money into Ilfracombe.
"If these people, who are knocking it, could see the children's faces when they were taking part in the races and enjoying the hog roast, they would know it was all worthwhile
"So Victorian Week will be going ahead again next year and if any of those critics would like to join the committee and make changes, they are more than welcome."
101 Comments
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by Bert, Ilfracombe
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 2:04PM
“Brad, if two out of three people voted on a website poll that you should go and boil your head, would you do so?”
by Brad, Ilfracombe
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 1:54PM
“The poll shows that two out of three people want to see Victorian Week end.
So why is it continuing?”
by jim, Ilf
Monday, December 28 2009, 11:43AM
“its a good time”
by Tony Holland, wales
Monday, December 14 2009, 1:19PM
“Are these people mad who want it stoped, History is very important for our children to learn from. I dont think any of the typical wingers of Ilfracombe have ever studied history. Are people trying to forget what our great, great grandparents have done for us, you should all be ashamed of yourselves, the victorians layed down the foundation for us today, a lot of things that people of today take for granted. I think you should all grow up, and instead of being negative, come up with ideas that will enhance this speacial era of history. You can count on my vote, by the way what a fantastic fire work display that finished of the celabrations, i think all these people who are against fun and money coming in to the town should move somewhere like the moon, at least there you can all share those negative veiws together. Anything i can do to help commitee give us a call 01271 867646 07774032254. keep up the good work Tony Holland,
may be a few spelling mistakes or punctuation marks missing, sorry should of taken more interest in school, just like our children of today must never forget our history”
by marilynne buckley, birkenhead, the wirral
Sunday, November 22 2009, 7:57PM
“i lived in ilfracombe but had to return back here due to illness, i loved the place especially its friendly people. victorian week, well u either loved it or hated it,i myself didnt mind it. to me ilfracombe is a great place for a holiday & to all the friends i left ,see you all next year...”