Following Paul's post yesterday, I sent the following email to James
Bowden and Andy McCabe. Perhaps others could do something similar.

If I get any response, I will post that too.

Richard.
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>>To: James Bowden, Manager, York Hall,
Andy McCabe, Operations Director, Greenwich Leisure


Dear Mr Bowden and Mr McCabe,

I have been reading about the proposals for the new York Hall Spa and
I hope you will be interested in the comments of a former regular
customer.

I used to visit every week when I worked in the City. I am now
retired, and had been looking forward to the re-opening so that I
could come and spend a relaxing day there, perhaps once a fortnight.
However, under the proposed arrangements I will have no reason for
coming, and I feel greatly saddened that a unique venue is being
destroyed.

A visit to York Hall wasn't just about sitting in a hot room. It was
a social occasion in an atmosphere of male comradeship which I have
never found anywhere else, before or since. It was used by men of all
ages, colours, and classes, and was one of the few places that had
really succeeded at "inclusiveness".

It was at York Hall that I was introduced to the practice of massage
by other customers, and I found it immensely beneficial to my health
and well-being. This encouraged me to qualify as a masseur myself,
and in retirement my skills are greatly appreciated at a hospice.
This would never have happened if I had been obliged to pay for
"treatments" from a professional.

I am appalled at the idea of insisting on swimming costumes at all
times. I suspect there is a hidden agenda here, with the idea that if
naked men are wandering around it must be a gay venue. This
misunderstands the situation completely, and could in any case be
controlled with some tactful patrolling by attendants.

The proposed York Hall Spa is no different from any number of other
places in London and I can't see how it can be a viable business
proposition. The well-heeled customers prepared to pay ?20 for
entrance plus more for a treatment will not venture out to Bethnal
Green.

You have an opportunity to build on York Hall's unique selling point
as a traditional Turkish Bath, and promote it as an attraction that
nowhere else can offer. It would be a simple matter to have a
timetable with "traditional" days and "spa" days. You would soon find
out which ones bring in the customers.

You can be sure that for every person who takes the time to write to
you there are countless others with the same views who do not bother.
I hope you will take these comments seriously and I look forward to
your response.

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