On 26 May 2016 at 4:53pm Parent wrote:
Please excuse the rant. I feel very upset that YMCA Downslink have chosen to give up on this very valuable service to the community and to a privatised school! There isn't another organisation that provides such a valuable (and reasonably priced) grass roots service in Lewes and many families are going to really struggle to get this elsewhere. I can't quite see how this benefits the local services YMCA Downslink offers as per their letter to parents today! In addition is Lewes Grammer School (who is clearly not short of a penny) going to do anything to provide the community with any replacement service? They are directly taking away very important services that people with lower incomes rely on. How can they justify this decision??? Outrageous and shameful.
On 26 May 2016 at 5:07pm Tipex wrote:
I agree the loss of the nursery is a big blow to many parents, myself included. The staff have been consistently excellent and I can't fault the service.
On 26 May 2016 at 8:19pm laser wrote:
It's terrible. I think as parents and members of the community we can all write to the YMCA downslink and register our complaints. We can also write to the Old Grammar School about their total lack of responsibility to the people of Lewes.
On 26 May 2016 at 9:36pm allstar wrote:
The nursery has served many families and children even when it was called jigsaw nursery. I feel YMCA haven't even given it a chance. Less than a year. The staff and families have been let down by an organisation which seems to only want to care for itself.
On 26 May 2016 at 10:32pm R wrote:
From what I know, this has effected all families, and the staff! Ive heard from several parents that they love this setting as it is homely and welcoming! I don't think the staff should give up without a fight! Whoever made the decision still has a job! SAVE YMCA LEWES!
On 26 May 2016 at 11:12pm Paul wrote:
Where does the old grammar school get enough money to buy three more big buildings in Lewes and why weren't the buildings sold by YMCA on the open market to get the most money?
On 27 May 2016 at 1:47am Sussex Dim wrote:
Fistly, Paul - that's none of your business. There is no obligation for businesses to explain what they're doing.
Secondly, Tipex - maybe you should have thought about that before you had children.
The trouble with you people is you refuse to take any responsibility when things don't go the way you want them to. Maybe you should all go and live in the Bevanist cradle to grave era.
On 27 May 2016 at 3:20am 8 miles from homo phobia wrote:
I blame the Muslums,the blacks, the gays and the EU........And my tiny dick..
On 27 May 2016 at 8:28am Xplorer2 wrote:
Read the YMCA's explanation here....
Check it out here »
On 27 May 2016 at 9:58am Angry wrote:
Bottom line, money in the pockets of the directors of YMCA DLG is more important than the 100's of families whose lives this will effect.
And LOGS have no consideration for the working class people of Lewes who rely on the services provided. As long as the pretentious children of the middle class aren't affected then it's okay by them.
I hate this town, and what it's being turned in to.
On 27 May 2016 at 2:30pm xplorer2 wrote:
Angry, your comment about the YMCA directors is approaching libellous. If you read the YMCA statement, it should direct your anger at the continuing austerity measures being imposed by the Tory government. The YMCA says it can't make the necessary investment to make needed improvements to an ageing building, and if LOGS can afford it, and need it, then their success may well be driven by the same cause, austerity driving down the standards of state schools and encouraging parents to turn to private education. Not saying it's right or good, but a possible interpretation of the facts.
On 27 May 2016 at 3:51pm conspiracy theorist wrote:
Plucking at straws: but given the highly secretive nature of this transaction - nothing said until contracts exchanged - is there a possibility that there may be restrictions on the unconditional sale of a building that has had such a long traditional role of public service in the town? Interesting too that the Old Grammar School approached them, no open sale. Expansion of the Old Grammar School is a reflection of the changing demographic of this town. Doesn't auger well for inclusivity. Privilege over charity. Does anyone have a history of the building?I agree with all the comments about the nursery, a lovely well run place.
On 27 May 2016 at 7:24pm Tipex wrote:
I think the truth is we don't know anything about this transaction but I for one am just sad that this resource is going.
Oh and Sussex Dim - parents (and I sincerely hope you're not one) don't expect "cradle to grave" services. We pay a fortune to provide for our kids and are just commenting on the loss of a very useful service. You'd feel the same if your local shop / pub / betting shop were to close.
On 28 May 2016 at 8:12am CEO wrote:
Rubbing hands more Chelsea tractors with big windscreens to place my greetings cards on happy days indeed
On 28 May 2016 at 10:26am Paul wrote:
I thought YMCA was a not for profit/charity with a remit to maximise income to spend on services - so still don't understand why it was a closed sale. Surely their charter is to maximise what they can spend on their mission and that's why I am confused by the closed sale.
On 30 May 2016 at 7:32pm Mark wrote:
I agree that it is a shame that a building that has been in community use for 50 years will now have it's future determined by a private company. A lot of parents must be worried about how they will able to work of afford an alternative. Bit by bit we are losing assets and Lewes is becoming an exclusive club. I feel strongly about it, but I think we should avoid slinging insults at the kids at the school.
On 3 Jun 2016 at 11:40am JMMM wrote:
The responsibility lies with the YMCA cutting their services & selling the buildings, not with LOGS buying it. It would only otherwise go to a developer to build more unaffordable houses. How ridiculous to blame the school. They have used the building for years, renting rooms - effectively subsidising the cost of the nursery school. They provide a service for those who want it and it keeps the population of the local state schools down. It is not acceptable to slam the school because it is private. Grow up! The parents pay their taxes which supports the local state schools AND pay for the education of their children on top of that. If only state education provided a better alternative, some of those parents might use it. State education is inadequate. If only those who bleet about improving state education would look to emulate the successes of the private sector, the private sector may not need to exist because the state offering would be improved. There are countries where private education barely exists because the state sector is so good. Let's look to improve the state offering of education instead of slamming those who choose to pay extra for it.