Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 12:00
Viking Festival minutes 'farcical'
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A ‘News’ investigation into the Largs Viking Festival has revealed a deep split within its committee - and some worrying anomalies in its operation.
Earlier this month, a furious row broke out at the festival’s first AGM in five years that left key sponsors astonished and the 28th annual event in doubt.
The amazing scenes at Moorburn House saw the new festival patron, Professor Magnus Fladmark, leave the meeting “angry and upset” as bitter exchanges continued behind closed doors. Festival Secretary Grahame Ross also branded the proceedings “farcical”.
Chairperson and Largs Conservative Councillor Elisabethe Marshall has now claimed that the problems emanated from Largs Community Council who have nothing to do with the festival.
At the AGM Mrs Marshall refused to make way for the patron to independently chair the proceedings.
Those at the meeting told the ‘News’ that Mrs Marshall’s husband Tom - a local community councillor - helped to conduct the meeting by continually offering advice to his wife, despite having no links to the committee.
Now, a ‘News’ investigation of the festival committee minutes has revealed that:
- When a director was proposed to join the committee last year, Mrs Marshall refused, stating that he was “too deaf”.
- One meeting saw Mrs Marshall second herself as chairperson.
- Last year’s festival guide listed sponsors including four of the Marshalls’ concerns, yet no donations were entered into the accounts under any of those names.
The full story and the directors' response can be seen in the Largs & Millport News of 02/07/08
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