BUDE Music Society has consistently sought to put on concerts of the highest quality, bringing not only outstanding young musicians just beginning their careers to play here in Bude, but also well known artistes, such as the Dante Quartet who performed in December. The concerts have always been warmly welcomed and appreciated by all who come to hear them.

However, the future of the society is uncertain, as a spokesman explained: "Despite having had three successful concerts already this season the Bude Music Society has reached a crisis point and unless members of the audience and the public come forward to offer support it is very likely that it will have to close at the end of the current season. It is the 63rd year of the society, so it will be a sad day indeed should this happen.

"The fortunes of the music society have gone up and down over the past few years, but unfortunately expenses continue to rise and funds are running low and alas the time has come when the committee feel that they can no longer continue with an uncertain future looming."

It has been decided to call an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday, January 24 at 3pm in St Martin's Church, when the future of the society will be decided.

It is hoped that the many music lovers in the Bude area will attend to make their ideas known and if the society is to continue in some form, to offer genuine practical support. The society's President, the distinguished pianist Allan Schiller hopes to attend.

On the bright side, the programme for the current season is safe and continues on Sunday, January 17 at the Minstrels Music Centre, Canworthy Water, with a flute and guitar recital at 3pm.