Penzance Chamber of Commerce

McKenna gets Chamber Treatment

Penwith District Council chief executive Jim McKenna bravely offered himself up to the membership of the Chamber of Commerce at the March meeting and received a grilling on a variety of subjects. Mr McKenna was keen to keep much of what he said "off the record" so that he could be frank with the meeting. So although we can't reproduce many of his more contentious views Chamber members could have heard these from the horse's mouth just by attending the monthly meeting. Do you really need any more reason to be there?

David Andrewartha launched proceedings with the comment that Penzance is "a mess" with small things not working, blocked drains in Causewayhead, problems with Promenade lights a lack of litter bins. Mr McKenna responded with an explanation of demarcation of responsibilities between district and county and a pledge that were things can be improved, they will be.

Issues as diverse as possibilities for local government reorganisation and regional assemblies, signage to West Cornwall Hospital, cuts in grant funding, the hoary issue of council tax increases (Penwith is responsible for only a small part of this, the meeting was told) were all dealt with frankly. Tourist information centres was another bone of contention as was, at length, the costs and impact on local taxation of the new Penzance leisure centre.

Members had their say on such diverse matters as the promotion of Chapel Street, flytipping and special refuse collections, business waste recycling and improvements in community policing.

On the subject of the harbour redevelopment, Mr McKenna reported a joint bid for hydro study from Newlyn to Penzance station to asses the rock formation. He reiterated the need for Penzance & Newlyn to work together to ensure that one does not lose out to the other. The meeting heard that the Transport Interchange development is set to complete at the end of May as planned. And joined Mr McKenna in welcoming the news that plans for speed bumps have been shelved.

Serious discussion took place on the distribution of Objective One money and the role of the Private Sector in development of the local economy. Traffic management in Market Jew Street, to be in Mr McKenna's words, a well planned, well throughout scheme which will work for years to enhance Penzance, was also examined.

The Chamber doesn't always see eye to eye with the administration at St Clare but we applaud Mr McKenna for his frankness and for coming along. Where were you?

Rosie Chapman at World Championships

The Chamber was pleased to receive an account from young Rosie Chapman of her participation in the World Championships of the Mirror class in sailing. Her trip to the championships in Tasmania was in part funded by the generosity of local businesses. No silverware this time for Rosie, but armed with the experience of her adventure down under, this intrepid young sailor will be all the better placed to compete into the future. We have no doubt the business community will be claiming a tiny share in her success in the future!

Derek Tangye Collection for sale

Through the Chamber pages, John Kane and Evelyn Waters are offering their collection of rare signed first edition Derek Tangye books, letters and a painting by Jean Tangye for sale. The couple are very keen that this collection be kept together and preferably in this part of the world, for which Derek and Jeannie did so much through their works. Interested bodies and individuals should contact John or Evelyn on 07812 152434.

Hazel not the Leading Light

Hazel Trembath told the last meeting that she was astonished to get a number of calls last month concerning Penzance's Christmas lights despite giving up the role a couple of years ago. The culprit is apparently the latest edition of the "Go West" guide which has Hazel, erroneously, as the contact for the lights, complete with telephone number. All the same - that so much interest is apparent eleven months ahead just goes to underline the popularity of the Penzance festive decorations!

Developing the Untapped Resource

The John Daniel Centre is helping to develop one of the district's most overlooked resources - people who might otherwise be excluded from work by learning difficulties. Around a hundred adults of varying age and ability from the Penwith area benefit from activities and training in Heamoor, at the Bellair Day Centre and training houses on the Roscadgill estate.

High standard art work produced by the students is widely sought after and includes framed works, prints and ceramics. A thriving horticultural department specialises in bedding plants and hanging baskets for the early season.

On May 17th, 2003 the centre will hold it's annual bazaar, this year marked by the official opening of Rainbow Gallery, a retail outlet for work produced by students at the centre. It will be a perfect place to buy the distinctive gift, as well as the weekly fruit and vegetables.

Students at the centre are trained to an individual timetable in such areas as cooking and food preparation, computer skills, horticulture, office skills and recreation and leisure activities. Outreach activities include courses at Penwith and Cornwall colleges working in a playgroup, or a care home, serving teas in a restaurant in town or making bird tables at a local farm.

Just before Christmas a CD of music and poetry entitled The Four Seasons was released and declared a great success, produced by the centre with pupils from Penzance Junior School and help from students of Penwith College Media Course.

The business community has a vested interest in ensuring that all members of our community are able to contribute and so the Chamber offers its support and goodwill to this worthwhile charity.

Cornwall Sewn Up - No Computer in Sight

When John and Thelma Murrish opened Cornish Stitch Designs three years ago it was something of a new direction. Despite many years in the craft trade, including teaching an assortment of stitching techniques, this was their first foray into designing, manufacturing and retailing their own product. Now, through their shop in the Wharfside centre, their range of cross-stitch kits represent some of the finest aspects of the west of Cornwall - and with the rest of the county to follow.

In pursuit of this, the couple are intrepid explorers of the region. Weekends, which many people of their generation (neither will openly admit to being pensioners) might spend feet up by a warm fire, comprise clambering precariously across rocks to get the best aspect of a picturesque cove, or trudging muddy tracks to find the most impressive viewpoint. Armed with camera and sketchpad, this is how the raw material of their craft - the beauty of our part of the world - is acquired.

Currently, they offer complete cross-stitch kits of scenes from Godrevy point to Porthleven harbour. An image of Cadgwith Cove is currently in development. Other scenes have been produced but West Cornwall is the cornerstone of the range. Alongside their Cornish slant, John and Thelma have another unique approach to the business. Unlike most of their competitors, they have eschewed the use of computers in any stage of the process.

"A computer can't ask local people questions, or find out about the local history" Thelma volunteers. The couple firmly believe that this dedication to research finds expression in their designs. It is clear to see that there is a certain warmth and depth in their patterns which is perhaps lacking in most mass-produced products. The only role computers have is in marketing, although "we have a website, but I've never seen it!" Thelma confides.

Everything is done by hand. Using a tracing of the scene backlit against a window, Thelma stitches the master pattern from which John plots the chart. Even the thread cards are hand wound from the cones which bedeck one wall of the shop. "Not for sale," Thelma insists, although their presence gives visitors to the shop an impression of the full palette of colours used in the designs.

Watching the design process take place, by hand in the shop can be quite an attraction during busy periods. Its also makes good business sense - many of those who stop to take a look are so intrigued that they buy their first kit. Among these, many become hooked by the hobby and so become regular customers.

Introducing people to cross stitch is something John and Thelma approach with almost evangelical zeal. Although not (for the moment) offering formal training, any visitor to their shop can ask for basic instructions and get a demonstration of cross stitch. As an introduction, there are tiny try-out kits for absolute beginners.

Cornish Stitch Designs recently introduced a range of children's long-stitch kits. Another coming diversification is expected be a stock of St Piran's flags in three sizes. In business terms Cornish Stitch Designs appears to be remarkably successful - last year saw an 86% increase in sales. "Nobody could copy us and do the same for the price," asserts Thelma. Not bad for a venture the couple describe as being just a little more than a hobby. It just goes to prove the point that computers aren't the only way to a successful business!

Cornish Stitch Designs are at 16 the Wharfside (at ground level facing the harbour) and can be contacted on 01736-333683. Website: www.cornishstitchdesigns.co.uk

March Meeting Report

Twenty-five people attended the March meeting of the Chamber, attracted in part by the opportunity to grill PDC chief executive Jim McKenna.

Mark Curtis had spoken with Rik Evans who would address the meeting in April with details of a proposed second Cornish commercial radio station.

There were no new membership applications this month

The Chamber accepted an invitation to provide a flower arrangement for Golowan from Rev Larry Wright. Dennis Dowrick will be obtaining prices from local florists. Members were reminded that the Penwith District Council local plan is available from libraries or www.penwith.gov.uk and can be purchased for £10.00.

The meeting heard that yet another new harbour feasibility study was underway and due to report on 20th March at a cost of £5,000. This will examine a proposed widening and extension of the pier. It will be made public once presented to the District Council. The Chairman hopes to have a copy of the plans for the Jubilee pool for the April meeting.

The Chairman reported that even after a dismissive letter from Mr Simms at the County Council, common sense had found its voice and the plans are at present on hold. An aghast meeting learned that the estimated cost of ruining the roads was £360,000. The proposed International Festival of the Book Arts is gathering steam: the meeting heard that a date has been set of 12th - 20th May 2004. Hopefully this will become an annual or biennial event.

Richard Hilder reported that activity on the Chamber website in February was 5% up on last year.

The Chamber agreed to investigate options for its regular meeting venue.

The meeting asked Mark Curtis is to contact regular advertisers on these pages to drum up meeting support and future focus stories.

Asked whether Cornwall would benefit if we had the same school holidays as other counties members felt that it would make little or no difference.

Finally a note for all your horticultural diaries: The Chamber & St Piran's Hall are to be joint hosts of Radio 4's Gardeners Question Time at St Piran's Hall on Monday 30th June 03 from 6.00 pm. Tickets available from Chamber secretary Yvonne Neale (please sent a large SAE).

Join the Chamber

The Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of local business with the County, District and Town Councils, Government agencies and public bodies. It actively campaigns on issues affecting the business community as well as issues affecting the community as a whole. This requires finances and direct involvement by committed people, and deserves the support of every business in the region.

Our Chairman is coordinator of the West Cornwall Group of Chambers and the Cornwall Business Partnership. He is a member of the Priority Management Group 3, which approves Objective One funding in the area of Learning and Skills development He is also a member of the Penzance Regeneration Steering Group that has worked on the submission of an Objective One bid to greatly enhance the prosperity of the town and its inhabitants. Other members represent the Chamber on such bodies as the Police Consultative Committee and Tourism Committee.

All businesses have problems from time to time, and it has been proved that representation from a Chamber Officer on behalf of the member concerned can greatly enhance the prospect of a satisfactory conclusion. With major issues, such as the Penzance Regeneration Project, West Cornwall Hospital, Objective One and so on needing input from the business community there has never been a better reason for all businesses to become Chamber members - the greater our membership, the bigger our voice. JOIN NOW!

We invite membership applications from individuals and businesses large or small. For further information, visit the Membership Enquiry or Membership Application pages on this site.

Forthcoming Meetings

The next monthly Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 1st at 7.30pm at the Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance.

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