General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

It's what's called "opinion" and this is a public forum. If you can't stand the heat, stand in the garden!

Here's a story - because of owning various businesses, I've experienced regular requests for 'sponsorship' of this, 'donations' to that and 'will you support' the other.
Mainly, it's been junior football teams / rugby teams / dance troupes etc..
My opinion is this - if you want your kids to play football / rugby / dance, then you should pay for it yourself.
This opinion carries to people who enjoy "music, theatre, film, TV, visual arts, painting, writing dance and so much more". If YOU want to do that kind of thing, because you enjoy it, then do so. But don't expect others to pay your way. PAY FOR IT YOURSELF!

Again, it's MY opinion that this sort of thing is non-productive. It won't make Britain GREAT again and the amount of tax-payers money that is diverted into funding 'arts' is ridiculous.

Arts Council England

2023-26 Investment Programme: Budget confirmation and application figures.

We have received a total of 1,730 applications, requesting just over £2 billion .......

£2 billion! So that a very low percentage of people, of whom a high percentage are from quite wealthy backgrounds, can sit and watch opera / dance / drama / etc., at the expense of the taxpayer.

Of course, I'm not talking about a small Wigan group of people there. But, it's all in the same vein.
"We want to enjoy ourselves, but we want someone else to pay for it. It's OUR right, as a citizen"!
WRONG! and bad attitude. Do some WORK, get PAID for it, THEN spend your own money following your passion.

By the way, isn't the Old Courts a government asset? managed by Wigan Council?
Why are they not paying for the repairs?

PS: Nothing personal. It's just the way I am.