Penzance Chamber of Commerce

Retail Outlet for Cornish Farmers

West Cornwall Farmers Markets Ltd. (WCFM) is to open a new permanent base on Saturday 20th October. The Farmers Shop, situated at the newly revamped Market Way in Redruth, will be open daily selling food produce and other goods supplied by members of the WCFM Association.

The Farmers Market, owned by Charville Estates who also own the Wharfside Shopping Centre in Penzance, originated in April 2000 under Cornwall County Council's umbrella. In December the market found a weekly home at the Wharfside, and has since spawned into similar events across West Cornwall. It became a success quickly, with traders rising from just a handful to 27 regular stalls, and an estimated daily turnover per stall rising from £60 to £500, in just 6 months. The market continues to be held every Saturday from 10am to 3.30pm. In April a further market was opened in St Ives that has also become a huge success. It is held at the Parish Rooms, Fridays from 9am to 3.30pm.

However, a loss of funding in February of this year put the future of the project in jeopardy. July saw the arrival of the now managing director of WCFM, Michael Sculthorp-Wright, who discovered his initial working budget to be zero. However, after a struggle to keep the enterprise alive, WCFM now enjoys greater success, which has culminated in the creation of a permanent location.

Having leased the first full time Farmers Market Shop in Redruth, a weekly market for stallholders will also be held at the Market Way every Thursday from 25th October. Having seen the success of past markets, Helston Town Council have asked WCFM to take The market there. From the 29th October, the market will be held at the Helston Corn Exchange every Monday from 9am to 2pm.

West Cornwall Farmers Market is the only recognised market of its kind in West Cornwall. The only other in the South West is at Bodmin, and WCFM have teamed up with them to ensure a policy of selling only goods from the local economy, and an avoidance of wholesale products.

WCFM now has 46 members, with 27 regularly trading businesses supplying an ever expanding selection of local produce including vegetables, fish, smoked fish, cakes, jams, Cornish cheeses, olives, locally farmed meat, dairy products, fruit, ostrich meat and wild Boar. MD Michael Sculthorp-Wright reports that: "Many people are saying that they now buy all of their food from us, then go to supermarket for things like washing-up liquid."

Mr Sculthorp-Wright admits, "The problem with the term 'farmers market' is that it gives a misleading impression, and that the public expect just the produce of farmers to be available. But the market encompasses all rural food providers including smallholders, allotment owners, and cottage industries such as bread, cake and cheese makers. We also allow 25% of our members to consist of non-food producers, such as craftspeople."

Future plans for WCFM include the launch of a full time market in Penzance, planned for next year on the site of the old gas works, and the creation of a mail order service that will allow visitors to trace local goods they enjoyed during their time in Cornwall. WCFM would also like to see more producers trading who can offer something to the local economy and local food production.

Interested parties may contact Michael Sculthorp-Wright on 01209-616606 or 07812-127246.

Save Tiny Lives

Tommy's Campaign, the national charity that funds vital research into the causes of premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth, has launched a recycling campaign of printer cartridges. By sending them your used inkjet cartridges, you can help to ensure the charity a minimum donation of £25,000 a year.

For more information on Tommy's Campaign, and to find other ways in which you can help their valuable work, please call them on 0207-620-0188, or write to Tommy's Campaign, London, SE99 6RD. For recycling enquiries and to order postage paid envelopes to send your used cartridges, call 0800 435576.

Top Of The Tots

Billed as 'The Fashion Dance Show of the Future', TOTSTARS returns to The Guildhall, St Ives, from the 25th - 27th October. The show promises to be an entertaining evening of music and dance by local children ranging in age from just 12 months up to 18 years. The fashion show offers the solution to parents bored with a lack of choice and individuality in children's and teenage fashion. It is an opportunity to buy quality clothes at special discount show prices.

The previous TOTSTARS show was a major success, and it is advised to book your seat in advance. Call the organisers, Sam's Prams, on 01736-364400 for further details.

A Light of Hope

Earlier this year readers may have been dazed and confused over our coverage of the situation regarding Christmas decorations in Penzance. The story began with the announcement in The Cornishman by local publicans that they were planning festivities. When nothing came of that, various groups were created and quickly disbanded, and it seemed that Penzance would be without any seasonal cheer this year.

The latest news is that Penwith District Council "have made a sum available", however with Christmas just around the corner the news is not yet official, and no information as regards the size of this sum has been released. We'll bring you more on this matter in our November issue.

Setting High Standards in Pre School Education

Porthreptor Playbox, the pre-School Playgroup based at Carbis Bay Memorial Hall, joined the Chamber of Commerce this month. Porthreptor Playbox has existed in its current form since September 1999 when a merger was created between the Lelant Pre School Playgroup and the Carbis Bay Playgroup. It is now managed and administered by an elected committee made up of parents and ex-staff members who work on a voluntary basis.

The staff of Porthreptor Playbox are fully trained in childcare and first aid. As part of their membership of the Pre School Learning Alliance and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP), the playgroup has made a commitment to ensuring that all staff members attend regular professional development courses. The pre-School is OFSTED accredited, which means that their high standard of education and care for the children meets the standards laid down by the government's Department of Education. The playgroup is also in the process of acquiring a quality assurance award.

At present there are 30 children attending various sessions during the week, and the group hope to increase their numbers soon. Spaces are now available, and some government-funded places are on offer. A Mother and Toddlers group is held on Tuesday afternoons. This provides a gentle introduction to the playgroup for the youngest of children. Upon joining the main sessions, children then pursue an early years footsteps curriculum, then a foundation stage of education which comprises literacy, mathematics, explorations of the world in which each child lives, and creative, personal, social and physical development in an environment that is stimulating and educational, as well as fun.

The aims of the pre-School include: the provision of high quality care and education, equal opportunities for all children, a well-balanced and broad curriculum and continual assessment in order to tailor activities towards the individual abilities of the child. This is enabled through a partnership between the Pre School and parents, and continual feedback on the child's progress.

Enquiries are welcomed regarding places at the pre-School and voluntary positions upon the committee. Call Manya Johnson on 01736-798999.

Call Me A Nippy Cab

The Chamber this month welcomes one of our newest members, Nippy Cabs, who offer both Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles in its taxi coverage of the Penzance area. The firm has been trading for eight years, and is one of the original tenants at Long Rock's Penwith Business Centre.

With twelve drivers and five office staff, proprietor Margaret Williams reports that business is good and the weekends are especially busy. Nippy Cabs have a modern fleet including wheelchair friendly vehicles. Their contracts include social services and railway companies. For a prompt service with friendly and helpful drivers, give Nippy Cabs a call on Penzance 01736-366666.

Resource Upgrade for Digital Peninsula

Chamber representatives were recently introduced to the latest equipment upgrades at the offices of the Digital Peninsula Network in Bread Street. The centre now has 15 computers, many with CD-writers and two capable of video input and output. Facilities also include scanners, printers, web cams, laptops, and a good selection of top software.

Use of these facilities and hire of equipment is offered to members of DPN. Members also benefit from networking with other digital businesses in the region, and receive a free listing in DPN's business directory.

The Digital Peninsula Network began after a discussion in the Penzance Arts Club just over two years ago, and has since grown to over 130 members. For information on joining DPN, visit them online at www.digitalpeninsula.com or telephone 01736-333700.

Redevelopment Update

Following the publication of the Penzance Harbour and Town Regeneration Action Plan in August, Penwith District Council are set to give their backing and approval of the ambitious plans for the complete regeneration of Penzance, including a marina, bus station, hotel and town centre markets. Penwith's economic and tourism committee gave the early indication that the council would adopt the plans, and agreed that the town should have, on a three-year posting, a regeneration and development manager who would hopefully be supported by a project co-ordinator from County Hall.

Phase Two in the bid to unlock considerable Objective 1 cash to increase the overall prosperity of Penzance could soon be set into motion with the creation of a special project team. Penwith's chief executive, Jim McKenna, this month revealed that Penzance would be the first of Cornwall's 12 key Objective 1 towns to receive strategic support from Cornwall County Council, the district authority and its partners.

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, and also a member of the Penzance Regeneration Steering Group that has been working for the last 18 months 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 or our membership site at www.penzancechamber.co.uk.

Contributions to Focus pages

These pages exist to promote the work of our members, and we invite participation from all involved with the Chamber. We are also happy to publish material from anyone else with an interest in the development of Penzance. Please send your articles no later than the first Thursday of the month to feature in the forthcoming issue, or contact the Press Officer, Penzance Chamber of Commerce, 16 Fore Street, Goldsithney, Cornwall TR20 9HD to arrange an interview or Email Press Officer.

Forthcoming Meetings

The next monthly Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6th 2001 at the Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance at 7.30pm.

Previous Newsletters

1999
   Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

2000
   Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

2001
   Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Current month

PENZANCE - THE PLACE TO BE

More about Penzance Chamber of Commerce can be found at:-