I'd just like to take the oppurtunity to add my comments in response to this post. I'm Terry & Pam's son, who has grown up around the Springhead from being 13. From the age of 18 i have played an active role in the pub. Due to my own career commitments over the last 5/6 yrs i haven't ben around as much however i have always been on hand for ideas and driving the pub forward with marketing and development.
My parents have always had 100% commitment for the success of this pub and as far as i am concerned, have always kept the same spirit they started out with.
Unfortunately, trends have changed in pubs over the years and the way people socialise has changed. The Springhead is an independent business that has had to adapt to the changes in the licence trade to ensure the business is viable. It's not a chain! It's a small independent business which has been run by 2 very normal people. Tribute bands, undoubtedly have played a massive part in the success of the Springhead over the years, simply because it is what draws people in.. People in = People spending at the bar = pub stays open. We have had some of the finest blues bands and original bands from around Euorope play the Springhead.. TO AN EMPTY crowd... Why??????? Because the average person will not entertain a band who they have not heard of and if they do not play covers. The Springhead has supported local bands for years aswell as the Tributes. We have showcases on at the pub giving a platform to local musicians to show off their talents. What i am trying to say is, my parents have always given their utmost, driving around putting posters in shop windows, spending hours on the phone arranging shows.. you name it, they've done it. Plus myself as a 30yr old have put lots of input into the pub but if people do not turn out, what are we expected to do. Whilst i respect your opinion, i do not think the Springhead will ever be the same. I'm sure there will be a few people happy to see them leave, on the other hand i'm sure there's thousands more, upset that they are leaving. If i though the Springhead could be salvaged, turned around, kept gong as a music venue, believe me, i would have taken it on myself! Please don't take this as a rant, it's just my opinion. By the way, keep watching this website for updates because the music will follow my parents...enough said.. Regards, Terry