Sir.–I understand that some of the funding has been cut from Fairfields Arts Centre and that indeed its whole future could now be in jeopardy.

I have been attending drawing classes at this centre since I retired from work more than nine years ago.

I couldn’t even draw a straight line when I started, but I have been taught by three different tutors how to look at things properly and to produce a recognisable drawing of them.

I have really enjoyed these classes, learned new skills using various media, and made some good friends at the centre and would sorely miss coming if it were to close down.

As these are daytime classes they are one of only a few open to women in my age group who do not want to go out at night to attend evening classes.

Fairfields is also one of the few centres in Basingstoke with a small gallery that puts amateur artists’ work on display for others to see. So please, let it continue its work and give us ‘wrinklies’ somewhere to go in the daytime. –Patricia Jones, Wordsworth Close, Basingstoke.

Sir.–I was very dismayed to hear about the proposed withdrawal of funding to the Fairfields Arts Centre by our council.

I appreciate that cuts are necessary but the sum allocated to the centre is, in the scheme of things, such a small amount.

The benefits surely far outweigh any savings the council would make.

The Government is constantly telling us how important fitness and education are, and how we should all be more active and keep our minds alert.

This centre offers a diversity that cannot be found elsewhere in Basingstoke.

What reasoned argument can there be, therefore, for withdrawing the funding, thus making the closure of the centre inevitable? –Name and address withheld.

Sir.–I have been a regular participant on courses at the arts centre for a number of years and feel that this facility is a valuable asset to the people of Basingstoke.

I do not believe that there is another venue in the town which covers the range of artistic interest for people of all ages, especially in the area of dance, which is my particular interest.

I do hope that a solution will be found to enable the centre to continue its current activities in all its diversity. –Lois Jackman, Oakley.

Sir.–We are writing from the USA where we are currently residing. We used to live in Basingstoke and we are very concerned about the future of the Fairfields Arts Centre, as we understand it is under threat of closure due to lack of funding by the council.

There is very little creative arts in Basingstoke for adults and children but there are plenty of shops, pubs and eating establishments.

The loss of this important facility, which has been acting as a focal point for arts in the region, would only weaken further the social fabric of life in Hampshire, and further reduce Basingstoke’s standing from a “place to live” to a “commuter town”. –Nick and Luba Nurse, Washington DC, USA.

Sir.–I had the wonderful opportunity to spend 2008 in Basingstoke.

I’m a native of Seneca Falls, New York, in the US, and am a professional dancer, educator and choreographer with touring and teaching credits throughout the US, Caribbean, England, France, Italy, and Tunisia.

While in Basingstoke I discovered Fairfields Arts Centre, and was truly amazed by all the organisation offers the community.

Extensive programming in a wide range of study from computer skills, singing, visual arts and many styles of dance, to workshops on the business of the arts, language studies, community festivals, top-notch international performances, and all in a gorgeous historic building in the centre of town. Discovering Fairfields was really finding a precious gem, and I’m so very grateful.

I’ve recently learned there is discussion regarding the future funding of the centre, and I believe it would truly be a tragedy to no longer have such a fantastic arts organisation in the community.

It offers something so different and so unique from other arts spaces, and has been a real incubator for aspiring and accomplished artists to create new work and to learn and develop skills. Under the direction of Andy Buchanan, there is truly a tremendous value that Fairfields adds to Basingstoke.

Andy brings an incredible level of expertise and experience to the organisation and to the artists that come through the space.

I hold him in the highest regard and have a deep appreciation for the work that he does, as well as the entire staff I had the pleasure of working with during 2008.

I do hope the council will strongly consider all of the assets and resources that Fairfields Arts Centre provides to the community, and will reaffirm the value of the centre by continuing to fund and support its existence. –Lorienne Beals-Masnada, Seneca Falls, New York, USA.