Minutes 11th November 2008

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 11 November 2008, Amphlett Lissimore, Westow Street

Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Gerry Evans (Lambeth – invited visitor)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea Restaurant)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Frank Lissimore (Amphlett Lissimore)
Kevin Monk (Mango Swiss)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Sue Nagle* (Triangle Traders)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook's Books)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Andy Stem (Bambino)
Chris Stewart* (Acorn Estates)
Jane Arte Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Will Ellner* (Joanna’s)
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)

1. Introduction

Ray was presented with the Chamber insignia, adopting the badge of the Chamber and sounding the gavel. He thanked Amphlett Lissimore for providing an excellent venue and Stan and his family for their delicious refreshments.

He asked for any declarations of potential conflicts of interest with the items on the agenda. John Greatrex said that his company, Great Exhibition Ltd., aims to erect a transportable pavilion based on the Crystal Palace.

Andrew said that after Friday 21st November, minutes of main meetings and other material related to the Chamber would be sent by “open copy” e-mail to all members, unless people specifically requested to be blind copied. Ray added that from early next year only paid-up members would be included in this definitive list and that e-mail would be the main form of communication.

The minutes of the 14th October meeting were approved as a fair record. There were no matters arising.

2. Reports

Membership: Ray said that Mark was compiling a list of members, with the aid of Silke.

Bank Account: Ray encouraged all to give Stan the membership fee of £25. This could be paid either by cheque, payable to “Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce” or, ideally, by standing order.

Postal Address: Ray reported that, thanks to the efforts of Bradley Millington, the Board of the Library had formally approved the use of the following postal address:

Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce
c/o Upper Norwood Joint Library
39 Westow Hill
Upper Norwood
London
SE19 1TJ

South London Business: Ray said that South London Business (SLB) is an independent company limited by guarantee. It is chaired by Sir Bob Scott and has the support of the LDA and GLA. Its purpose is to facilitate the growth of all businesses in South London. Hitherto it has concentrated on larger businesses, but it is now broadening its scope. In particular, as Sue emphasised, Crystal Palace is seen as a key location for the regeneration of South London.

Ray said that he has been in close contact for several years with Peter Pledger, the Chief Executive of SLB, and its director responsible for Crystal Palace, Simon Turnage, both of whom are taking a keen interest in the Chamber’s activities. He said that he would aim to invite Peter to a meeting of the Chamber in 2009. In the meantime, he encouraged all businesses to look up their website and consider entering the South London Business Awards. Submissions in 12 categories are invited by the 27thFebruary 2009. A prestigious awards ceremony will be held at the Crystal Palace Football Ground, Selhurst Park on 20th May 2009.

Ray also encouraged members to attend the SLB transport event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday 4th December at Battersea Power Station. Valerie Shawcross (GLA Member for Lambeth and Southwark) would be speaking. He and Kevin Carleton-Reeves plan to be there.

Tramlink: Ray said that Boris Johnson made clear at the Bromley Question Time of Thursday 6th November that the Croydon Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace had not been cancelled but simply postponed. Ray has been in contact with Valerie Shawcross, who thinks that reinstating the Tramlink is winnable. She was very pleased by the Chamber’s interest. At Valerie’s advice, Ray would shortly be contacting James Cleverly (GLA Member for Bromley and Bexley). Sue said that when the Triangle Traders had formally voted on the proposal, 75 to 1 were in favour. Andy stressed the need to act as soon as possible.

Ray said that he would aim for the Chamber to discuss Tramlink and vote on it. He would seek the approval of the Chamber to approach Mayor Boris on its behalf. Ray reminded the meeting that James Cleverly will be presenting his vision for Bromley, Bexley and Crystal Palace at the 10th February meeting of the Chamber.

Remembrance Day: Ray said that it is important for the Chamber to promote the interests of the wider community as well as those of its members. He was very moved by the occasion of laying a wreath at the Upper Norwood war memorial on behalf of the Chamber.

In response to a suggestion from Sue, he agreed to write to Transport for London and LB Croydon requesting that the traffic be stopped in Westow Street for Remembrance Day ceremonies in future years.

Charity Ball: Jane said that she is considering organising a charity ball on the top site to raise funds for the Crystal Palace Museum and local charities. Ray said that he has mentioned the proposal to Stephen Carr (Leader of Bromley Council). Sue would be hosting a brainstorm on November 18th to consider the ideas further and it was agreed that they would then be discussed at a subsequent meeting of the Chamber.

Crystal Palace Festival: Andy said that on Saturday 29th November a festival will take place in the Triangle. It will be an spontaneous event with a range of live music in many of the pubs and an exciting variety of markets. The aim is for businesses to do something different for the day.

Sarah said that Sharon Baldwin of the Crystal Palace Business Partnership has arranged publicity for the festival in local newspapers. An offer has been received to video the event and Andy will follow through. Ray welcomed the festival as great opportunity to celebrate and mutually support the vibrancy and diversity of Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace Stars: Jonathan said that he has designed a star, which he was taking forward in accordance with the budget. This was welcomed with thanks to Jon. Jane wondered whether medallions with more explicit reference to Crystal Palace within them could be added.

Ray said that the Committee of Management had approved the use of £800 of the Chamber’s funds for the purchase of the stars, which would then be offered on loan to local businesses in this and subsequent Christmas periods. Gavin emphasised the aim of providing a cohesive visual theme around the whole Triangle, and encouraged each business to participate. It was agreed that links should also be made to the sale of raffle tickets for a local charity.

It was agreed that over the coming days, Jonathan, Sarah, Sue, Gavin, Jane and other interested parties (such as JWPR who had kindly offered a generous raffle prize of beauty products) would take forward discussions of the best approach.

Church Road Traffic: Ray referred to Cllr. George Filbey (LB Croydon) proposing the installation of pedestrian crossings in Church Road at the September main meeting of the Chamber. He had taken it up with Council officers with little response. Ray has written to Stephen Carr (Leader of Bromley) and Mike Fisher (Leader of Croydon).

Chamber Christmas Party: This has been arranged for Friday 12th December. A meal at Weatherspoon’s, Westow Street, will be followed by a party at a house in Church Road, kindly made available by its owner. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Sue or Andy.

3. Five Minutes of Fame

Amphlett Lissimore:
http://www.amphlettlissimore.co.uk/
Frank said that Amphlett Lissimore offers a range of legal services including a family department, conveyancing, wills, probate and tax planning. Its criminal department, Bagshaws, has three “higher rights” solicitors. Founded in 1983, but with long-established antecedents, the firm has 50 employees, one of the largest local businesses.

Sarah said that, as business development manager, she is very keen to open up Amphlett Lissimore to the wider community. Through initiatives such as coffee mornings, the aim is to develop strong relationships with local businesses and residents. Free initial consultations are available so that people can see the opportunities for legal services to improve their lives.

Chris added that, having recommended Amphlett Lissimore to clients through his Acorn estate agency, he applauded the practice for its very caring and professional approach.

Mango Swiss:
http://www.mangoswiss.com/
Tim said that after training at the London College of Printing and freelance activity in the West End, he and Kevin have recently formed their own business. He demonstrated the local business directory, approved by Croydon Enterprise, to which nearly 400 people have already signed up. An impressive achievement, this very useful resource is complementary to the excellent local web forum, Virtual Norwood. More generally, the business offers services such as web design and web development and is keen to develop closer links with the local community and surrounding areas.

This initiative was greatly welcomed. Ray asked how Chamber members could become clients to Mango Swiss. As well as web site design, Tim and Kevin designed anything concerning graphics, including corporate images, brochure and exhibitions.

For further information, please see http://www.crystalpalacelocal.co.uk/
and http://www.mangoswiss.com/page/home


Ray thanked the presenters and congratulated them on their new venture on behalf of the Chamber.

4. Crystal Palace Festival

John noted that the Crystal Palace had started the World Expo movement, another international legacy of London. His presentation drew attention to the festival organised by the Crystal Palace Triangle Association and local community groups in June 1974, when Pat Lawrence had stressed “how community spirit can put Crystal Palace back on the map”. Early June is an ideal time for the Crystal Palace Festival that he proposed, encompassing the anniversaries not only of the opening of the rebuilt Palace on 10th June 1854, but also many other significant dates for its designer, Joseph Paxton.

John’s proposed festival would be an opportunity to celebrate the history, diversity and vibrancy of the local area. Gavin said that Croydon Enterprise may be willing to act as a facilitator. Gerry offered to share her experience with the Streatham Festival, particularly on how to engage most effectively the support of local authorities.

Among the ideas raised were:

• to link in with the regular series of festivals being catalyzed by Andy and Sue;
• to be accompanied by an “International Round the Triangle” promotion of shops and restaurants;
• to tie in with the Crystal Palace free music festival in the Park;
• to involve local schools.

It was agreed that the Chamber gives its support in principle to the idea. Members are encouraged to contact John directly at greatrexv@aol.com to flesh out the ideas further. John proposed a brainstorm evening at his flat.

5. Any Other Business

As part of the further discussion of the Crystal Palace Stars (see above), Sue said that it would be worth considering her idea for siting Christmas Trees at the three corners of the Triangle. An alternative was on private land on each side of the Triangle. The Royal Albert had already offered its forecourt.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 13th January 2009, 6.45pm, location to be arranged. Members only. Main item: Ray’s proposal for a New Crystal Palace in a renewed Crystal Palace Park.