Presteigne Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry, aims to promote, develop and encourage business in the town, as well as to attract locals and visitors alike.
Aims
The organisation has been in existence for over 50 years. Our views are often expressed to local authorities, national bodies and our M.P. The Chamber is seen by Powys council as a valuable point of contact with the local business community. We also have close links with the local press and the tourist information office.
Our aims include:
- Providing a platform for members to air their views
- Providing a united voice on local issues
- Promoting the trading and visiting appeal of Presteigne
- Organising regular social activities for the community & the membership
Our views are often expressed to local authorities, national bodies and our M.P. We also have close links with the local press and the tourist information office.
It was the Chamber's responsibility for the original Town Guides that has brought about the launch of the Town's website and the re-launch of the revised and complementary Town Guide and Town Trail.
Events
We organise a number of the promotional and social events in the town.
Each year, the Chamber takes responsibility for the Christmas Lights and the annual Christmas Fayre; organises the Family Fun Day in May (in conjunction with the Town Twinning Association) and runs a number of other social and fund raising events throughout the year.
The Chamber also presents an annual prize, "The Judge's Gavel" to the Vintage Sports Car Club’s most promising young person, when the club visits Presteigne and the surrounding hills in October.
Volunteers to assist with all our events are always welcome, you do not need to be a member to help!
Membership
Our current membership represents a broad spectrum of local business people, from high street retailers & local businesses to other professional people in the Presteigne and the surrounding area. We encourage all businesses to join us because the more businesses that we represent, the greater the voice of business interests in the town. Membership does not mean that you must take an active part in every event, but the active membership does work hard but also have FUN.
We are always looking for new members and new ideas for the promotion of the town, the local area and the Chamber itself. Current membership cost is only £20 per annum. This amount includes updates through minutes & bulletins, general meetings, invitations to special events as well as representation to town & Powys councils and a contribution to the Festive lighting. Now, through our link up with the town site, you and your business can be part of a wider virtual community.
Welcome Pack.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chamber please click : Welcome pack This contains an introductory letter, a synopsis of activities and events, our constitution, contact details for officers, and a membership application form.
Contact Details
CHAIR - deals with all matters to do with meetings, and events
Jenni Simpson, Northwood, Slough Lane, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2NH
Telephone - 01544 262768
Email - simpsonjenni@yahoo.co.uk
SECRETARY - deals with minutes, agendas, and ongoing membership
Elaine Miller, Dan-y-Fron, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LD.
Telephone - 01544 262 738
Email - elaine@danyfron.me.uk
TREASURER - deals with finances, new membership, and website.
James Tennant-Eyles, Boultibrooke, Norton Road, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2EU
Telephone 01544 267363
Email - jteyles@homecall.co.uk
Most Recent Approved Minutes
If you want to view or download earlier approved minutes please click as appropriate: Minutes 02 11 09 , Minutes 12 10 09, Minutes 07 09 09 , Minutes 06 07 09 , Minutes 01 06 09 , Minutes 06 04 09 , Minutes AGM 07 04 08 Minutes 02 03 09 Minutes 02 02 09 , Minutes 10 11 08
PRESTEIGNE CHAMBER OF TRADE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MEETING HELD 2ND NOVEMBER 2009 AT
THE ROYAL OAK
Present: Jenni Simpson, James Tennant-Eyles, Colin Felgate, Eddie Taylor, Malcolm Davidson, Judy and
Mike Ridgeman, Rosamund Black, Paul Charles, Paula Bowen
Apologies: Mrs. Wood, Tony Wood, Ann Wake, Liz Charles,
Debra Oswald, Barry Meredith
1. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Initially, the Minutes of the last meeting were approved by the Committee as a true record and signed by the Chairwoman. However, Rosamund (who had been delayed) did state that she was not at all happy with the way in which she had been represented, felt that she had been misquoted, and did not agree that the Minutes were correct. She stated that at the last Meeting she had been more dissatisfied with the street parking restrictions than the decision on the bunting.
A discussion took place and it was agreed that her remarks should be placed on record.
2. MATTERS ARISING
Paula said that she it had been brought to her attention that there was no dropped kerb at the end of the steep road from the by-pass leading to Bryn Roberts Garage; this created a problem for users of mobile scooters as it prevented access to the High Street and there is no alternative but for them to reverse all the way back up to the by-pass again. Jenni to make the Council aware of this.
She also reported that whilst delivering the posters for the Best Dressed Window she had been asked why it only applied to Christmas.
The Committee agreed that there should be Seasonal awards for Best Dressed Windows and this would be implemented next year.
.
3. TREASURER'S REPORT
James provided the following information:
Balance of in Current Account: £362.14
Balance in Savings Account: £3,735.52
Paula had sent a chase letter to Members who had not yet paid their annual subscription.
James has also produced a summary of the bunting situation which has been circulated to Presteigne & Norton Town Council and other interested organisations.
4. CHRISTMAS FAIR
Barry Meredith has agreed to take on the role of Father Christmas.
Silver Lining has agreed to the tombola being managed in their archway.
Paul now has the raffle tickets and raffle prizes will be needed. Elaine offered to carry out this task by obtaining the prizes from local shops.
Tony will be the Town Crier.
Malcolm said that unfortunately, due to ill health, the facility for having the Mini Train down the High Street could not take place this year but was fairly confident that this would be a feature of our Christmas Fair in 2010.
Giles has agreed that we can use his back room for Santa's Grotto.
Presents for the children have been ordered, by Jenni, from local business.
Presents to be wrapped by Committee Members on Monday the 30th November at Emily's at 7.30 p.m. (Please remember to bring sellotape and scissors).
Len has agreed to supply background music. The Group agreed to remuneration for his valued assistance.
Mince pies, mulled wine and hot dogs will be available.
A letter has been sent to each of the shops advising that the Best Dressed Window competition will be judged during the first week in December.
A short discussion took place on the availability of local school choirs or dancing groups to participate. Jenni to investigate the possibilities at John Beddoes, Paula to have a word with Amanda at her dancing school in Lyonshall. Several children from Presteigne do go there for dancing lessons.
Rosamund to contact the Dancing and Movement Group at the Assembly Rooms to see if the children there would be interested in participating.
Judy suggested a Fancy Dress Competition for the children - the Committee thought this was a good idea. Paula to produce posters.
Eddie said that he knows someone who may be willing to play the organ at the top of end of Town and he will make contact with him.
Jenni said that the following items had now been arranged:
Jack the Jester
'Little Rumba' (a local band)
Table for the Cubs, C.U.R.L.E.W. Centre
Probably Jams and Chutneys
Anyone else who is interested in having a stall must have their own insurance and Public Liability Cover.
Jenni to contact Radio Sunshine, Radio Malvern and Hereford and Worcestershire to see if we qualify for free radio advertising for our event.
A fairly lengthy discussion took place with regard to the Christmas decorations.
Seasonal light decorations were displayed by Colin, Paul and Eddie and the Committee agreed that this was a splendid result.
Colin reported that he had ordered coloured wire and he and Rosamund would produce display decorations. It was hoped that they would construct 10 units.
Various ideas, and alternatives were put forward by several members of the Committee.
Eddie felt that if some of the shop-keepers still wanted Christmas Trees that we should supply the trees and lights but persuade them to make it their responsibility to ensure that the timers were set and they took control of this task.
Colin said that we need to find out which shop-keepers would prefer this arrangement and we would supply the trees (via Nigel Williams).
Jenni said that we would fit the poles for the light displays. She has seven, Eddie/Colin three and we require a further six.
Jenni to speak to Barry to try to obtain a few more bicycle wheels for the displays (26" and front wheels only).
Having hanging banners from the Assembly Rooms (advertising the Christmas Fair and Rosamund's Art and Craft Fair) was discussed. It was agreed that Rosamund would make enquiries at Artisan with regard to costs, etc. for her banner. Jennie would obtain quote from Artisan on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible.
Signs to be produced for the by-pass.
Road signs for closing of the High Street to be collected from the Depot and put in place by James.
5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
A debate took place on how Members could be encouraged to attend future Meetings.
Eddie said that without the Chamber, Presteigne would be a lot poorer and Jennie endorsed his sentiments. It was generally agreed that we need new ideas and additional input from other Members.
In my reminder letter for annual subs to quite a few Members I had put the following paragraph in the hope that it would generate a renewed interest in the Chamber:
"Our Group is increasing in numbers and continues to play an active part in all aspects relating to our historical town. We are keen that as many Members as possible attend the monthly Meetings (usually the first Monday of each month). We need to work together to achieve satisfactory conclusions and decisions on what is happening in our area.
With your help and support we will continue to 'Make A Difference'"
Rosamund will be contacting Roger Williams with regard to the limited free street parking. She stated that it appears that the free parking limitations of 20 minutes imposed in Presteigne seem to be very unfair when some nearby towns have the benefits of one hour.
James and Jenni said that the Council do not disagree with this fact, but that it would cost approximately £3,000 to have all the signs amended and that Presteigne Town Council would have to pay Powys County Council this amount of money for this work to be implemented. Jenni suggested that the shop-keepers write to the Town Council and Judy suggested that perhaps the shop-keepers should start a petition in support of this complaint.
6. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Meeting will take place on MONDAY, 30th NOVEMBER at 7.30 p.m. at EMILY'S TEA ROOMS
Meeting finished at 9.30 p.m.
