'Tarts' in action /Tipton Arts

The Tipton Amateur Repertory Theatre Society says it's been forced to change its name after a complaint that its acronym was sexist.

The amateur dramatics group formerly known as 'Tarts' has put on productions in schools across the Midlands for 20 years, reports the Daily Telegraph. But it changed its name to Tipton Arts after a female headteacher threatened to boycott this year's panto production of Babes in the Wood.

The headteacher, who has not been named, wrote a letter to the group's organisers accusing them of being "sexist" and "derogatory" towards women. Member Elizabeth Haney said: "It was only meant to be a joke. We were formerly known as Tarts.

"But we have had to change this name as certain organisations deemed this to be offensive, especially in view of our younger members. "All I can say is tell that to the people of Bakewell and the makers of Mr Kipling's exceedingly good cakes.

"I had a complaint from one of the school headteachers and we've had things said from a few venues, they didn't think it was appropriate." Tarts, which has members aged from six to 75, was told it would not be welcome at the school unless they changed their name to Tipton Arts.

Ray Brothwood, chair of Tipton Community Association, said: "It's just a bit of a laugh isn't it, why would anyone ever be offended? I suppose it just goes to show the way people think nowadays." -- Courtesy of Ananova.Com

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