Penzance Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber Monthly News - April 2005

Chamber finally holds its annual meeting after two false starts

After two false starts the Chamber held its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2005. The format was an Extraordinary General Meeting rather than an Annual General Meeting, but sufficient members attended to enable the meeting to be held in accordance with the constitution. The chairman would like to thank all those who managed to attend the meeting.

Elections were held for the Officers of the Chamber, the key post holders being:

• John Bastow, manager of the Wharfside Centre, was the sole nomination for president which arose as a result of Denis Dowrick deciding to resign after five years in post. Members were unanimous in their support for John and his acceptance of the presidency is most welcome.

• Mike Waters, managing director of Safety UK Ltd, was the sole nomination for the post of chairman and he was unanimously supported to embark upon his sixth successive term in office, making him the longest serving chairman in the history of the Chamber which extends for over 100 years.

• John Garrison was unanimously supported for the post of Vice-Chairman and it was agreed that he would be a fine addition to the committee.

• John Bastow accepted the unanimous vote to continue as Treasurer as well as holding the post of President.

Prior to the meeting a revised constitution was circulated to all members for consideration. The main objective of the new rules is to allow members greater flexibility in participating in the business of the Chamber by providing for fewer members to form a quorum, proxy votes and so forth. It was agreed that the revised constitution would be examined by a sub-committee who will report back at the next monthly meeting

Council backing for Chamber's Market Jew Street cab stance

The saga of Cornwall County Council discriminating between Hackney Cabs and Private Hire Vehicles continues - but the good news is that Penwith District Council supports the view of the Chamber that both types of taxi should be treated the same with regard to driving through Market Jew Street . The primary objection of the County Council to the Chamber's request is that Private Hire Vehicles are not readily distinguishable from the rear and they are concerned that private cars may follow PHVs down Market Jew Street , thereby having the opposite effect of reducing traffic flow in the road.

The Chairman has written to the County Council with the request that they permit PHVs to display prominent signs at the rear of their vehicles clearly denoting them as taxis and thereby enabling them to be treated the same as Hackney Cabs, just as they are elsewhere in the UK where over 20 schemes similar to Market Jew Street are in operation. The Chamber's view is supported by Penwith District Council and a comment from one officer was that he would get them lit up like Christmas trees if it would get the county council to change their minds!

The Chairman would like to thank Margaret of Nippy Cabs (01736 366666) for her help in challenging the County Council.

World War II anniversary celebrations

A wide range of events are currently being planned to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe which, this year, is incorporating the festival of Corpus Christie. The event is still in the planning stages and will be held during June 9 to June 12, with some really exciting things that will be happening and published soon.

Stalwart Chamber member and local heroine Hazel Trembath represents the Chamber on the event's planning committee. She has taken it upon herself to visit all traders within the town to ask that they participate by putting flags out and dressing their windows during the whole period. This only requires a little effort by the shops, but cumulatively it has a great effect overall and will do much to raise the profile of the whole event and encourage people into Penzance . All retailers in Penzance are urged to help make this event really spectacular.

Cape's charms are more than par for the course

Cape Cornwall Golf & Country Club recently became a member of the Chamber

Cape Cornwall is a great place for all to relax, dine, or enjoy a game of golf on England 's first and last 18 hole course. The club welcomes members and visitors alike and combines tradition, refined decor, a warm welcome and quality service all in an exceptionally beautiful setting, with picturesque views and stunning sights of Britain 's only cape.

The improvements to the course by head green-keeper David Manley and his team have been well received by the numerous society golf groups and visitors alike - and the promotion of the various golf opens throughout the year are putting one of Cornwall 's "best kept secrets" firmly on the golfing map.

As well as its challenging, Par-69 course, the club features on-site accommodation, health spa, solarium, gym and 45ft heated indoor swimming pool and restaurant, making it the ideal location for a relaxing golfing break or somewhere just to call in for lunch or a cream tea. Recently the club has been granted a Civil Licence for wedding ceremonies - and the bookings for 2005 are excellent. The magnificent Brison's room not only offers an excellent location for weddings, but also offers the ideal conference facility for companies or organisations looking for a location with up to date equipment available for use in room that will host up to 80 delegates.

Since 2002, EU Leisure Ltd and its directors have invested significantly in the improvement of the club's services. To date, the company has achieved extensive refurbishments to key areas of the main clubhouse and indoor leisure facilities; the appointments of club manager Lucy Frost, PGA club professional Jonathan Lamb and the club's French head chef Stephane Sauthier have enhanced the club's reputation for standards of professionalism. Extensive improvements are planned to the course and the development of a complete new corporate image, including the creation of a new comprehensive website with online booking facility.

Your Chamber needs you

Joining up has numerous positives benefits for all businesses

Have you considered joining your Chamber of Commerce? Membership of the Penzance Chamber of Commerce has numerous positive benefits to businesses. Firstly, and most importantly, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard on any issue that affects you and your business. We have an outstanding reputation amongst local government and other organisations with whom we liaise on a myriad of subjects and are, therefore, able to represent you extremely effectively. We have been able to solve several problems for our members, including planning issues - and continue to be consulted by the County, District and Town Councils regularly.

Another very important reason for joining is the opportunity to network with other similar minded business people, thereby realising that you are not alone and that we all have the same problems. Members also have the opportunity for a spotlight on their business on our monthly Comishman page, free of charge!

We have been very actively involved in the regeneration programme for Penzance and the surrounding area. Indeed our Chairman, Mike Waters, also chairs the Penzance Regeneration Steering Group. While we have not got exactly what we wanted, what we will end up with will meet the objectives of securing current employment and creating sustainable jobs, while contributing to the financial growth of the district. In order for us to continue to campaign effectively for all local businesses we need the support of as many local businesses as possible.

Contrary to popular belief we are not an organisation of retailers, we encompass all business sectors. We need a strong membership base in order to enhance our standing as THE voice of local business. With the current programme of developments locally there has never been a more opportune time for all businesses to come together in solidarity.

If you would like a membership pack please contact the Secretary, Yvonne Neale, on 01736 719222. We welcome membership from businesses throughout Penwith, not just Penzance .

We have meetings on the first Tuesday of each month in the Penzance and Newlyn Rugby Football Club in Alexandra Road commencing at 7.30pm, you are most welcome to attend whether you become a mem­ber or not and whether you currently run a business or not. Chamber meetings are a useful forum for those who are interested in starting a business as well as for members of the public who are interested in local issues that have animpact upon us all. We look forward to meeting you,

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, May 3rd at 7.30pm at the Pirates Rugby Club, Alexandra Road, Penzance.

All members and non-members are urged to attend. Let’s make this the year that all businesses in the district actually start working together for the benefit of everyone.

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2003
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2004
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2005
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