MUSIC

No more Rockin' at the Robin Robin c.1900 (www.pubguidewm.ndirect.co.uk) We were sorry to learn a few days ago that the Robin R'n'B Club at Merry Hill (www.therobin.co.uk) is to close for good on Saturday 21st June 2003 Proprietor Mike Hamblett's account of the demise of the popular music venue will be a familiar one to Yampy readers who last year witnessed the triumph of big business over our community, when the Pig on the Wall was flattened to make way for a McDonalds. "I had been trying to purchase the Robin site myself for years from the previous owners Ansells" Mike explained "but was told on every occasion that they would never sell. Then Chelsfield plc (owners of The Merry Hill Centre) made Ansells - in the words of an Ansells representative - 'an offer we couldn't refuse', to purchase The Robin site in September 1998. I wasn't told who my new landlord was until the day after the sale." Chelsfield gave Mike a short term extension when his original ten year lease expired, but a further agreement has not been forthcoming so the club must close in two months time. "I have no idea what plans Chelsfield have for The Robin after we move out" stated Mike The Robin opened in April 1992 and has seen scores of international artists appear on its stage. Eighteen staff will be made redundant including the resident licensee and his wife, Ken & Mary Lavender, who will also lose their home. "I have made many friends there and it will be a sad day for us all" said Mike.

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