PARTON'S READING CAMPAIGN IGNITES BRITISH COUNCIL FEUD

Last updated: Monday, December 3, 2007

PARTON'S READING CAMPAIGN IGNITES BRITISH COUNCIL FEUD

The U.K. launch of country superstar DOLLY PARTON's campaign to encourage children to read has ignited a feud within a British town council.

Dolly Parton at the 2007 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. New York City, USA - 22.11.07

The scheme, which began in the singer's native Tennessee and now runs in 45 U.S. states, aims to send a book to children every month until the age of five.

Parton's first U.K.-based Imagination Library is set to open in Rotherham, England on Wednesday (05Dec07), but the decision to delay a scheduled council meeting from 2pm to 3pm in order to host a meet-and-greet lunch with the 61-year-old singer has infuriated councillor Tony Mannion.

He says, "I'm boycotting the lunch and I am outraged that democracy is being put on hold because of a celebrity. I have nothing against Dolly Parton. Not that I know much about her except that she sang 9 To 5. (But) I think that the literacy scheme is a good idea. My objection is over the timing. We have vital business to discuss... and we have few enough council meetings as it is."

However Roger Stone, the leader of Rotherham council, insists claims he has postponed the meeting due to his love of the country and western genre are inaccurate.

He says, "It's being said I'm this fanatical country and western fan. Well, I do like country and western, but I like all sorts of music, like Elvis, for example, because I'm of that age. I admire Dolly Parton but that's it. This is one man's objection."

Parton was inspired to set up the scheme after witnessing the "lifelong struggle" caused by illiteracy in Tennessee.

Source: WENN

| Monday, December 3, 2007

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