The Guardians Response;
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/29/why-locals-love-weymouth
The Observers report.
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/22/sun-sea-inequality-social-crisis-britain-resorts-weymouth
I really do hope you've read these, because otherwise what i'm about to say will appear completely out of context.
I love Weymouth, but I am not blind to its flaw, my childhood was made up of running along the beach, idle stares from begrudging middle class mothers because I was raised by a single man, having my school bus route cut meaning I had to walk 50 minutes every morning to primary school, underage drinking, the beginning of my now prominent work ethic and determination to gain something better than what this lovely seaside town can offer me.
Its true, the pregnancy rating of Weymouth has soared, on average in every shool year through secondary school there was at least one girl who fell pregnant... But from what I have seen each of these mothers are doing a better job at raising there child than the average 30-odd woman whose chatting to her mates as her child screams in her pushchair complaining about how hard her life is. (Without being judge openly by people in the street)
I've witnessed street fights, been bullied, cried over lost love, seen grown teachers have mental breakdowns due to the relentless torture of our science class, and yet come out of it head girl of my school, visited Ghana on an exchange programme and then later student president of my sixth form.
In the class system, most likely dictated by a journalist in a swanky office in London; I should be considered working class. However I now study in London, have passed my first year of university, become vice president of the climbing society, gained a decent student job as a mentor AND done all this proudly representing my heritage.
None of this could have been possible if I hadnt of been pushed by underpaid teachers who did their best to give every student the best options possible.
I have friends who decided against leaving weymouth & have stayed, one is now an assistant manager of a public house on Weymouth's beautiful harbour side. She is eighteen. No journalist can argue that she is wasting away in a town of poverty when she helps run a resturant that hits up to 300 covers a night in summer.
Although I will proudly protect Weymouth, I agree there is work to be done, the town is slowly being enveloped in hundred of resturants and any shops are disappearing; Brewers Quay was a thriving part of Weymouth community, made the town's 'Victorian night' special and fun, it hosted childrens partys, had a sweet shop alongside supporting the work of independant weymouth artists.
It was shut to be converted into a hotel complex before the 2012 Olympics which never happened. It is now a antiques l emporium(more appropriately named between my friends as a thrift shop) ran by volunteers desperate to renew Weymouth back to its glory days.
In conclusion to this rant, I can guarentee I've supported and challenged both articles you have just read, but supposedly I am the result of poor education and one of the hundreds of people The Observer have deemed aspiration-less. But all i will say is Tracy Mcveigh, I understand you were probably told to write about the worst parts of Weymouth and completely ignore any good, but if there is one thing the average Weymouthian can do... Is remember a name. Bad luck for taking that bullet, as you are now no longer welcome.... But hey... What do I know? I'm not part of the 21st Century?!
G
My entry into the Depths of Perception 2014 Competition
To find out more about the competition or wnter yourself please visit:
