Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce

Apology

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:25:36 PDT

Please accept our apologies for the ommission on this site of the minutes of several meetings. between Oct 2008 and Feb 2009

We hope to rectify this soon but in the meantime, if anyone needs to see the missing minutes please contact us on 020 8 318 7171 Thank you

Minutes of meeting February 10th 2009

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:22:37 PDT

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Minutes 10 February 2009

Patrick’s Bar, Westow Hill
Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace Ltd, chair of Chamber)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Vivienne BartholomewVien
L Beaumont (landlord)
Michael Brown (Michael Brown builder)
Kim Bryce (Way Ahead)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Rosemarie Falaise (freelance)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Jenny Hall (guest)
T Kemp (Lawrences)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Girish Mohile (Raymond Hall Ltd)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Sue Nagle* (Triangle Traders)
Kirit Patel (Sefgrove’s)
Saleh Rahman (First Option Estates)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Gail Rickard (Funky Junk)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook's Books)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Yogi Shah (Macdonald’s)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Tim Taylor (Glitter and Twisted)
Jane Arte Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)
Dilly Williamson (Funky Junk)

* Management CommitteeApologies
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)

1.0. Introduction
Ray welcomed all to Patrick’s, noting how great it is to see so many people in attendance. Everyone getting together can help transform business and people’s lives.

He said that our aim should be to consolidate who we are as a business community and then to get on to the South London stage. Lots of people want to trade with us; we should build on these links to raise our profile within London and beyond – and then onto the world stage.

Take languages for instance. A show of hands among those present showed that local business people includes about six speakers of French, several of Hindi, and others fluent in German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin. So we can communicate across language barriers to tell everyone what a great place Crystal Palace is and help each other know how to welcome visitors from abroad.

1.1. Minutes of previous main meeting

Ray gave his special thanks to Sarah Dacre for her hard work in helping to prepare the minutes of the 13th January meeting. Sue noted that she had been given in writing four proxy votes in favour of the New Crystal Palace proposals before the 13th January main meeting. She also noted that the only vote against had been made by the guest of a member and hence was invalid. It was agreed that the minutes of the main meeting would be amended to show that the Chamber had voted in favour of the New Crystal Palace proposals in principle by a unanimous margin of 29 votes to zero.

Unless there are any objections, the minutes of the 13th January meeting are assumed to be agreed as a fair record.

2.0. Five Minutes of Fame

Ray invited two local business people to make short presentations:

2.1. Gavin Rookledge runs Overspill Arthouse Ltd, an incubator company for artists, including a film studio, theatre group, jeweller and fine art, all based in Cooper’s Yard off Westow Hill. His main company, Rooks Books Ltd, is 20 years old, and has as its company vehicle a 1920s Ford Brampton. Gavin exhibited a leather-bound volume, noting how leather not only has a great history, but is also essentially a recycled material, biodegradable and a renewable resource.

Gavin said that he employs over 20 people, mostly graduates with an arts background. Most of his companies’ work involves making what he called indulgences for the world’s super-rich. Clients include Roman Abramovich, Bono, Naomi Campbell, Chris Evans, Bill Gates and the Duke of Edinburgh – who commissioned a work for Prince Charles’s 60th birthday last November. As far as possible, Gavin tries to source materials from local businesses.

In response to a question from Ray, Gavin said that he had been able to build up his businesses through continual talking and publicising. All applauded Gavin’s work with the hope that it would encourage other similarly talented people to the area.

2.2. Vivienne Bartholomew runs Vien in Church Road, which sells vintage clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery. She is very grateful to Sue Nagle and Andy Stem for their encouragement in getting her started, and to her landlord, Banny Bachks, for his helpful attitude. Particular thanks go to her husband, Paul, for moving his freight-forwarding and flat-pack businesses into the rear of the premises. A large part of Paul’s activities involves arranging the supply of spare parts to the super-rich, including Roman Abramovich and Steven Spielberg.

The main source for Vien’s products is Italy. Vivienne works with high-quality materials to recycle, customise and design with the Vien label. Her business is all about observing customers’ needs, and responding to them: listening and learning. Most of her customers are young women and girls – who often have a keen interest in fabrics through learning about them at local schools.

Vivienne said she is really impressed by the sense of community in Church Road, with enormous potential for success. But the traffic is an appalling problem: drivers must be made to slow down and there is an urgent need for a pedestrian crossing. Local people want to support local business but are put off by the noise and the danger of the traffic. We should work to create a “Crystal Palace Calm”. That way we will be “Putting the Crystal into Crystal Palace”.

All applauded Vivienne’s presentation and for the way she has engaged with the local community, wishing her every success in the future. Ray noted how Church Road has a vital role: if we can get this working right, then we can help the Triangle and the whole Crystal Palace community.

3.0. Main Item: My Vision for London and Crystal Palace - James Cleverly (GLA Member for Bromley and Bexley)
Ray welcomed James, whom he had first met in the booth at Joanna’s. He had immediately taken to James as someone to be trusted and enjoyed. Together we could fulfil the vision of Crystal Palace becoming the centre of South London. For Crystal Palace is enriched by who we are: together we can put Crystal Palace on the world stage.

Ray began with a couple of questions:

How come you live in Lewisham and yet represent Bromley and Bexley?

James replied that he was born and raised in Lewisham, where his mother was a midwife at the hospital. He has subsequently lived in Brockley, Hither Green and is now a near neighbour of Ray’s in Belmont Hill, Lewisham. After being active in South London politics, he was put forward as a candidate for Bromley and Bexley in the London Assembly, whilst retaining a huge amount of affection for Lewisham. With particular relevance to Crystal Palace, he noted that although some issues conveniently concern only one borough, many are London-wide. Crystal Palace is far more strategic than just its five boroughs – it has the potential to be a “sub-regional hub”.

Boris Johnson came to Bromley Civic Centre to meet the people. You chaired and know him well. But what is he really like?

James said that Boris is very like his TV image: what you see is what you get. As well as being very clever, he admires Boris for the consistency in approach he shows towards different audiences. Warts and all, even his political opponents find it difficult not to like him. And Boris is genuinely very enthusiastic and positive about outer London and its businesses, in which as Ray noted, Crystal Palace has a key role.

James then set out his vision for London and Crystal Palace:

His background is in publishing, particularly material for small businesses. He established an online magazine to give advice to entrepreneurs and is very much on the side of business. When elected to the Assembly he resolved to be clear about distinguishing between what he hoped to achieve and what can be realistically achieved. For it is important that politicians are honest about what they can deliver, because of the effects on businesses.

There are a large number of transport infrastructure projects floating around in London. But over the next 20 years, spend will be dominated by two enormous projects – the Olympics and CrossRail. It is therefore wasteful to spend millions of pounds a year on consultants fees and other costs to keep other schemes going if they have little prospect of delivery funding in the foreseeable future. And it is unfair to businesses, if they are mistakenly encouraged to invest money and energy in preparing for schemes that are unlikely to materialise within a commercial time horizon. In view of this, the Assembly has decided to indefinitely postpone several schemes, such as the Cross-River Tram, the Docklands Light Railway extension, the Thames Gateway Bridge and the Croydon Tramlink Extension. James said that whilst the Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace costs less than some of the other schemes and is perhaps closer on the horizon, in the short term, i.e. within the next five years, it is not going to happen.

Local traffic problems are hard to resolve because the main routes in the Triangle are not part of the Transport for London (TfL) Road Network, instead being the responsibility of the individual boroughs. TfL can, however, play a coordinating role, helping to overcome difficulties associated with local politics. James said that he would be happy to play the role of ‘knocking heads’ together, building on local knowledge with Ray as the conduit. He invited Chamber members to send him the top two or three things which they thought would make a difference, either through Ray or directly to james.cleverly@london.gov.uk copying in Ray for information.

James said that early in his political career he was advised not to give a view on any of the proposals for Crystal Palace Park, given the passionate support for several seemingly conflicting schemes. It is beyond argument that the park has suffered from a lack of love and attention in the past and that it would benefit from investment in smartening it up. This would almost certainly have a positive effect on the local area, for retailers and leisure. But there are divergent opinions about the source of funding and whether residential development should play a role. James said that whilst his natural view was to be uncomfortable about residential development in the park, he saw it as the best means of getting a quick cash injection that could, say, help the sports centre. And as a board member of the LDA, James would aim to ensure that any buildings on the edge of the park were environmentally and architecturally sensitive. This would enable Crystal Palace to fully benefit from Olympic-related activity such as training venues and would keep options open with respect to proposals for the top site.

Several members expressed concern about the desirability or feasibility of this approach. James was asked why the LDA did not come out in support of the New Crystal Palace proposal, which has unanimous support from the Chamber’s members. James said that he liked the idea of an exciting multi-use destination on the top site. But he did not know whether the New Crystal Palace could come to fruition quickly enough, especially as vocal opposition from some elements would delay construction. So whilst he is supportive of the proposals, he would urge caution.

So, James said that his vision is to support small businesses and to make Crystal Palace a destination. For instance, in the London Assembly he had successfully delayed implementation of Phase 3 of the Local Emission Zone – this would have hit supplies of small businesses by diesel vans without offering clear-cut environmental benefits. His friend and business partner, who lives in Anerley Hill and works in Shoreditch, describes Crystal Palace as “very nearly brilliant”. It is dominated by owner-managed shops and has real interest and real diversity. James’s vision is not to turn Crystal Palace into a parade of national retail outlets but instead to reinforce its advantages of being genuinely diverse, unusual and exciting. He wants to make it easier to get to and to see a more flexible approach to traffic and parking.

James said that Boris’s vision is to rejuvenate the traditional “town and village” clustering in London. He wants to preserve the very distinct identities of sub-regional nodes and not just to accept as a given London’s radial transport infrastructure. People should work closer to where they live, allowing flows on the roads and railways to be more balanced in either direction. Car access would always be important, but how could orbital public transport links be improved between places such as Bexley and Crystal Palace?

For “Crystal Palace is blindingly obvious as a hub” and contains bars, restaurants and other destination activities - as well as “nuts and bolts” retail. James would keep pushing and keep shouting about business, and the Chamber should consider him as a friend on the GLA. Boris is sympathetic to the small business cause and James will do his best to get him down to Crystal Palace.

In conclusion, Sue Nagle presented James with three “books” containing 108 individually-signed petitions from local businesses in favour of the reinstatement of the Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace. Each petition was accompanied by an A4 photograph of the business that had signed. James thanked Sue and noted the commitment of the traders. He said he would show the books to Boris and report to him on the economic and regeneration case that had been outlined.

Ray warmly thanked James for his engagement with the Chamber. John Greatrex and Sue Nagle kindly arranged some photographs to record the event.

4.0. Future Main Meetings

It has been agreed by the Management Committee that, after March, the main meetings of the Chamber will move to the first Tuesday of each month, so as not to clash with the networking events which have been set up by George Pirintzi.

So, future main meetings in 2009 are:

· 10 March: Stephen Carr (Leader of LB Bromley): My vision for Bromley and Crystal Palace. Patrick’s Bar below starting at 6.45pm
· 7 April: Five Minutes of Fame – nine or ten local businesses speak forth
· 5 May: Promoting Crystal Palace on the South London, London and world stage (provisional)
· 2 June
· 7 July
· 4 August
· 1 September
· 6 October
· 3 November
· 1 December.

5.0. Any Other Business

5.1. Red Nose Day Quiz Night: Frank Lissimore announced that Amphlett Lissimore is pleased to arrange this at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 12th March at the Langley Park Sports Club, Hawsbrook Lane South Eden Park Road, Beckenham. Tickets are on sale for £7.50 from Sarah Dacre and include a two-course hot meal. Teams should be made up of six to eight people.

For details of the location please see:
http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/langley-park-sports-centre.html
http://www.yell.com/listings/DoFindListings/398834/Langley-Park-Sports-Centre/Leisure-Centres

5.2. Crystal Palace Corner: John Greatrex gave an update: public notices requesting an extension to the planning permission are now in place by the Corner and on the notice board by the museum in Anerley Hill. He is to give a talk on it the next day.

6.0. Date of Next Main Meeting

Tuesday 10th March, 6.30 for 6.45 p.m.: Patrick’s Bar, Westow Hill..

Minutes of meeting 14th October 2008

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:52:46 PST

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 14 October 2008, Patrick's Bar, Westow Hill

Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Vivienne Bartholomew (76 Vintage)
John Cooke (Amphlett Lissimore)
Will Ellner* (Joannas)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Geri Greene (JWPR)
Jenny Hall (New Crystal Palace Ltd)
Mervyn Hing (Silk Route)
Kanex (Pizza Express)
William Loque (The Exhibition Room)
Don Madgwick (abba cappa records)
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)
Bradley Millington (Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Girish Mohile (Ray Hall Ltd.)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Sue Nagle* (Triangle Traders)
Dinesh Patel (Budgens)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs café/restaurant)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook's Books)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Andy Stem (Bambino)
Chris Stewart* (Acorn Estates)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair & Beauty)
Jacki Wadeson (JWPR)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Jane Watt

1. Introduction

Ray Hall welcomed all to this impressive venue. On 15th October 1988, "Crystal Palace Norwood Heights" by Audrey Hammond and Brian Dann was first published. So, it was a particular pleasure to welcome Audrey to present a slide show covering this book and the past 20 years.

Audrey's book encourages us all to get to know Crystal Palace better as a destination, for the place and its people. For Crystal Palace is a global brand and we need to try and understand better what constitutes its identity.

The festival day of 27th September was a great success. Some thousands of people came to what was largely a spontaneous community-based organisation. It displayed the range of people with talent in the local area. Bradley Millington was congratulated for the role of the Library that day.

The next festival would be on 29th November. Gavin Rookledge of the Crystal Palace Business Partnership would be helping to prepare. The theme would be "Stars", making the Triangle come alive in a way that is relevant to Christmas.

We should look to build up the momentum and substance for future festivals. We should make Crystal Palace The Destination for South London. And with London on the world stage for 2012 and beyond, we should put Crystal Palace on the London map and the global map.

Audrey would show in her presentation how she sees the area. How she as an artist notices different things, recording what they mean in Crystal Palace. She can help us to understand the identity of Crystal Palace as a place. So any changes we make should be anchored into this unique brand. When there is the opportunity, we should make tangible improvements so that Crystal Palace is more than ever a place people want to come to: the heart of South London.

Finally Ray congratulated Tamnag Thai for their "Britain in Bloom" award, and Andy Stem for one of Bambino's jackets appearing in Vogue, worn by Kate Moss.

2. Crystal Palace Presentation

Audrey said that when she arrived in Crystal Palace in 1956 after four years at art school, it was an urban village like Highgate. So much has disappeared since then; a terrible erosion.

Through the Crystal Palace Community Association, exhibitions such as "The Vanishing Triangle" and her artwork, Audrey has aimed to highlight the unique identity of the area and campaign for the preservation of that which remains.

For what was simply an area of woodland crossed by tracks in 1745 had by the early 19th century become a village. A few of these early two-storeyed cottages survive. From the mid-1850s the scale of development became much grander as the Crystal Palace brought trade and prosperity. Even after the Palace burned down in 1936, the commercial activity remained. Until the mid-1970s it was possible to find all the shops in the Triangle that one could wish. Subsequently much has changed, although at least Croydon's erstwhile plans for comprehensive redevelopment were not to be realised.

The pictures shown by Audrey illustrated some of what has been lost and what survives. They highlight features such as arched windows, lovely details and fine lettering which might otherwise be overlooked.

Particular points of interest include:

- the weatherboarded building in Westow Street, next to "The White Hart". This is probably a remnant of the original early 19th century pub. Now derelict, it would make a fantastic venue for an art gallery or arthouse cinema.

- the Library: very much the heart of the Triangle. We need to fight to keep the excellent level of service provided by the team.

- the benefits of keeping and restoring original decorations and shopfronts: so as to retain the unique character of Crystal Palace. Independent traders should make a stand against pressures for "ordinarification".

Ray thanked Audrey for a fascinating presentation. He asked what words people would use to describe the Triangle; responses were: "eclectic", "proud", "faded splendour", "village", "green", "eccentric", "charmingly scruffy", "resilient". He encouraged us all to fight to keep what remains, so that Crystal Palace became enhanced as a destination.

3. Any Other Business

For Christmas, Gavin said that stars would be a theme in the Triangle with the aim for businesses to include these in their window displays. Sue suggested having Christmas trees at each corner of the Triangle, with a Chamber of Commerce contribution. Also she said that the intention would be to have a Chamber Christmas Party.

Ray said the Business Partnership wondered whether a Christmas tree could go at the centre of each side of the Triangle on private land, e.g. the Albert pub, outside Sainsbury's and Bambino's. He said he would put to the Chamber's committee of management paying each venue £50 to cover electricity used.

Jacki Wadeson of JWPR shared her thoughts on stars and that she was researching what options there were. Jonathan Rowlandson said he could make metalwork stars. There was excitement about the idea. Sue said it would be great to raise money for children in need as part of the event because it so close to Christmas.

Ray thanked Patrick's for providing an excellent venue.

5. Next Meeting

Tuesday 11th November: 6.45 to 8.00 p.m at Amphlett Lissimore (corner of Westow Street and Church Road). John Greatrex would be giving a presentation as a discussion starter on a Crystal Palace Festival for 2009.

AGM August 2008

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:39:18 PDT

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 5 August 2008, Los Toreros, Westow Street

Those present:

Ray Hall (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt (Honorary Secretary)
Paul Bartholomew (76 Vintage)
Vivienne Bartholomew (76 Vintage)
Mario Charalambous (Mario 2 Bambos Barbers)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Yemi Dada (Palace Estates)
Will Elner (Joannas)
Cllr. George Filbey (London Borough of Croydon)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea)
John Greatrex (Sainsburys)
Stephen Kaye (Thornton Springer)
Soula Rornak Marezewski (Los Toreros)
Mark McLaughlan (The White Hart)
Bradley Millington (Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Stan Morris (Shine Bright)
Sue Nagle (Triangle Traders)
Sami Naqui (Forty Seven)
K. Patel (Sefgroves Pharmacy)
AN Other (Sefgroves Pharmacy)
Frank Pons (Tamnag Thai)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs café)
Gavin Rookledge (Rooks Books)
Silke Rudolph (The Massage Practice)
Roger Sorell (proxy) (Café Sol/Palace News/Numidie)
Angela Stewart (Island Fusion)
Christopher Stewart (Acorn Estates)
Tim Taylor (Glitter and Twisted)

Apologies:

Please see list at end of minutes.

1. Introduction

Ray welcomed all present and said he was very encouraged by the turnout. He was glad to be able to return to an active role as chair following health problems.

Ray noted that the Chamber of Commerce is legally an association of members. Its constitution requires its members to have a business in the Crystal Palace area and to have paid the subscription. It also requires a Committee to be appointed to carry out management functions.

The subscription is currently £25 per annum.

2. Chairman's Report

Ray said that this is a crucial time in the history of Crystal Palace. The strength of the South London community and of local businesses is causing Crystal Palace to rise again. The aim should be for Crystal Palace to once again become a world destination.

There is also an opportunity for Crystal Palace to play a major role in the 2012 Olympics. For the GLA and the boroughs are keen for all of London to be showcased, especially places to the south and east.

Crystal Palace is special through its being at the intersection of five boroughs: Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Bromley. So it has the potential to unify these communities and become the centrepiece of South London.

The goal is for Crystal Palace to prepare for world class status. To achieve this, its businesses need to be organised, motivated and to believe in the possible. The Chamber and its management team provide a vital role in doing this, so that together we can ride the wave.

3. Financial Report

Ray said that the financial report received from Peter Runacres shows that the Chamber has a total of £4,521 in the bank. £3,014 is in a deposit account and £1,507 in a current account.

Ray noted that this is a great credit to all those who have contributed. Particular thanks are due to his predecessors.

He emphasised that it is important that all members put in their fee so as to build up the Chamber's funds. This will allow the Chamber to strengthen its role in promoting local business interests and making the most of all opportunities.

4. Election of Honorary Officers

The management team comprises seven official roles (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Planning and Solicitor) and others without portfolio. Ray invited people to put themselves forward and the following committee was approved by the meeting:

Chair: Ray Hall
Vice-Chair: Will Elner
Secretary: Andrew Parfitt
Treasurer: Stan Morris
Solicitor: Sarah Dacre
Planning: Cllr. George Filbey
Membership: Mark McLaughlan

Without Portfolio: Yemi Dada
Christopher Stewart
John Greatrex
Silke Rudolph

Ray thanked all these people, who would play a key role over the coming year in driving forward the Chamber’s objective of promoting local business interests.

5. Crystal Palace Business Partnership

Ray said that he had attended the 4 August meeting of the Business Partnership, chaired by Gavin. He invited Gavin to give a presentation on the Partnership as he was keen for the Chamber to work closely with it.

Gavin said that the Business Partnership had been established by Amber Rusk in the winter of 2007/08. It was still in its early stages but its role was to promote local businesses through tangible actions. For instance it had organised the "Love Our Shops" event of 21 June in Church Road and had supported activities such as the Alma Garden Market. Membership is open to all rate-paying businesses in Crystal Palace.

The Business Partnership has been striving to bring in a scheme in which grants and match funding would be provided for businesses in the Triangle for shopfronts, grills and any other improvements that would enhance the appearance of the area. Croydon Council has decided to delay the bringing in of this scheme for the time being and the Business Partnership is working to persuade the council to bring these improvements to Upper Norwood as soon as possible.

Gavin said that they are looking to extend the "Love Our..." events to two or three a year. Ray said that he is very supportive of this initiative and the meeting agreed to give it the formal endorsement of the Chamber. Gavin welcomed this and said he would be happy to receive suggestions for other "Love Our..." events.

Sue said that there was a need to avoid overlap. So she encouraged individual businesses to join the Chamber and it was agreed that Ray and Sue would represent the views of the Chamber at Business Partnership meetings.

The meeting agreed that Ray and Gavin should meet to discuss how the Business Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce could work together and be as efficient as possible in serving businesses in Crystal Palace.

6. Future Agenda Items

Ray said that so far the following suggestions had been received:

 Crystal Palace identity/brand: Ray Hall and Audrey Hammond (President of the Crystal Palace Community Association);
 One Way System: Cllr. George Filbey;
 Integrated Business Transport Node: Kevin Carlton-Reeves;
 Crystal Palace Festival: John Greatrex.
 Tramlink update.

He invited other suggestions. Sue proposed:

 Update on Crystal Palace Park;
 Conservation;
 Security and Policing.

It was agreed that Ray would work out a schedule for future meetings, which would incorporate further proposals for agenda items in due course.

Ray thanked Los Toreros and their staff for all their help in facilitating the event. The meeting closed at 8.05 p.m.

7. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 9 September; 6.45 to 8.00 p.m., downstairs at Patricks Bar , Westow Hill – near Lloyds Bank. Subsequently meetings will return to the first Tuesday of each month.

Apologies

Cllr. Jane Avis
Amber Rusk – Crystal Palace Business Partnership
CPDT Tracey Skillern

Bookseller Crow
Cash Point Systems
Coconut Trading
Conrad Fox
Crystal Pantry
D.Solos
Exhibition Rooms
Hollybush Stores
Jean Haley
Lawrences
Living Water
Lorenzos
MacDonalds Hardware Store
Palace Café
Patricks Bar
Rolfe & Jones
Quality Cleaners
Shout
Way Ahead

Minutes of Meeting 1st July 2008

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:18:38 PDT

Minutes of the Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce
July 1st 2008: 12 noon - At Il Ponte restaurant, 66, Westow Hill, SE19 1RX

Attendees
Ray Hall (RH) New Crystal Palace Ltd
J Bradley Millington (JBM) Upper Norwood Joint library
Mark Rolfe (MR) Estate Agent
Kevin Carlton-Reeves (KCR) transport consultant
Andy Stem (AS) Bambinos
Dave Jones (DJ) Estate Agent
Nick Christodoulou (NC) The Exhibition Rooms
Simon Sharville (SS) Shout Design
Vivienne Bartholomew (V ) 76 Vintage
Gavin Rookledge (GR) Rook’s Books
Stan Morris (SM) Shinebright
Cllr. George Filbey (GF) Local Councillor
Sara Dacre (SD) Solicitor
Frank Lissimore (FL) Amphlett Lissimore
John Greatrex (JG) Sainsbury’s
Sue Nagle (SN) Triangle Traders
Gianni Lecca(G..) Il Ponte

1 Introduction

1.1 RH as chair welcomed all present and thanked Gianni for allowing the Chamber
to meet in his restaurant. Il Ponte is an example of the very high standard of
business that is already on offer in Crystal Palace.
1.2 Each person present introduced themselves and the nature of the business they
operate.

1.3 Apologies had been received from:
Andrew Parfitt - Hollybush Stores - MacDonalds - D.Solos - Cash Point
Systems - Living Water - Bookseller Crow - Sefgroves Pharmacy - Quality
Cleaners – Sergios - Numidi - Allistaires Café - Palace Café - Conrad Fox - Cllr. Jane Avis - CPDT Tracey Skillern – Conrad Fox – Michael Jays

1.4 The minutes of the previous board meeting 6th march 2007were deemed a correct
record of what was said. RH referred to the Chamber’s newsletter where he
apologised for not being able to follow through his election as Chair at the 6th
March meeting due to illness. It has taken a year but he is now back to good
health. He thanked all present for their patience.

1.5 RH also confirmed his role as the MD of New Crystal Palace Ltd, a company that
intends to bring into being a new Crystal Palace on the top site of Crystal Palace
Park. He asked those present if they felt that the two roles conflicted in any way.
Nobody felt that they did.

2 Way Forward

2.1 RH pointed out that the name ‘Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce. Is made up
of two huge globally recognized brands; ‘Crystal Palace’ and ‘Chamber of
Commerce’ We should capitalize on this important branding. The business
community in the Crystal Palace area has an opportunity through the name ‘The
Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce’ to become a world class organisation in
one of the most renowned parts of London.
2.2 RH’s proposal for a new Crystal Palace - as part of an intended master plan for
the transformation of Crystal Palace Park and Crystal Palace Triangle – was
geared to that end.
2.3 There is very clear and expressed political support for the New Crystal Palace
from Cllr.Stephen Carr, Leader of Bromley Borough Council (the landowners) as
well as from Mike Fisher, Leader of Croydon Borough Council. A consensus
view is being sought with the LDA, GLA, Mayor of London and the other three
boroughs around the Park: Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.
2.4 With a development partner in place and a preferred contractor, RH’s goal is that
construction work will commence on Nov 30th 2011 (the 75th anniversary of the
burning down of the former Crystal Palace). The new Crystal Palace could then
rise during the 2012 London Olympics, thereby taking full advantage of the
global media exposure that that event will bring.
2.5 If the business community in and around the Triangle could be ready, the overall
beneficial effect could be unprecedented. The meeting welcomed this scenario
and agreed that the Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce must ensure that the
success that is now within reach is achieved.
2.6 SG joked that he was looking forward to tendering for the window cleaning
contract in the new Crystal Palace!
2.7 SN and AS reported on a recent 5 week long exhibition/consultation event at
CsPace Galleries in Church Road. Results of this very successful consultation
event showed almost total support for the new Crystal Palace Ltd.’s proposal for
a new Crystal Palace along the Parade with all but 5 of the 1700 attendees
registering keen support.

3 Specifics

3.1 In order to ensure success the Chamber has to be properly constituted with a
Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary (already appointed), Treasurer, Membership
Secretary all as part of a board fully elected and authorized to act on behalf of
Chamber members. RH proposed that an Annual General Meeting of members
be called when a board can be elected and officers appointed. This was agreed
by all present as was the date of August 5th - 6.45pm (Venue to be advised)
3.2 RH proposed that as an interim definition a member is defined as ‘anyone who
operates a business that is in the area or is of relevance to the area’. All
present were seen to meet that definition. Further consideration of the
qualification of membership could follow in due course. RH proposed that the
elected Chair should establish the agenda for meetings throughout the
subsequent year when specific subjects could be explored in depth. This
principle was agreed.
3.3 RH also saw the prospect of working groups focusing on specific issues so that
They could be properly researched, reported on and discussed with decisions
taken and implemented. This format was welcomed. GF offered to be responsible
for monitoring and reporting back on planning proposals in the area. Attendees
welcomed this offer. KCR proposed an ingenious way of enabling the Triangle to
become a fully integrated business and transport node. FL.said that we should be
careful not to go down the route of other local organisations that had ended up as
single issue groups.
3.4 All present wanted to see improvements in the pedestrian friendliness of the
Triangle and in particular Church Road. JG proposed an annual Crystal Palace
Festival as a show case for the business and broader community. All of these
ideas were welcomed. JG and KCR received a round of applause; JG for the
Crystal Palace Corner (the climax of some 8 years hard work) and KCR for his
transport node proposal.
3.5 Each would be included in future agenda and actioned accordingly.
3.6 RH reported that he had been attending the meetings of the recently formed
Business Partnership, the Chair of which was GR who was part of this meeting.
RH said that he greatly welcomed the Business Partnership’s initiative. GR
outlined its purpose and it was agreed that RH would invite its facilitator, Amber
Rusk who is also the Crystal Palace District Centre Manager, to speak to a
Chamber meeting very soon.
4 Conclusion
4.1 RH again thanked Gianni for allowing the Chamber to meet in his restaurant
and all present for their very helpful contributions
4.2 Date and Time of the next meeting: August 5th at 6.45pm Venue to be advised.
4.3 Distribution of minutes to all present.

venue for 5th Aug meeting (AGM)

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:14:58 PDT

The venue for the August 5th AGM will be the beautiful Tapas/cocktail bar/restaurant - Los Toreros, 35, Westow Street, SE19 3RV.

The meeting will start at 6.45pm Sandwiches and hot drinks will be provided but please feel free to stay on after and sample their wares.

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:09:32 PDT

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2008

Dear Chamber member,

This is a form of newsletter from me as the Chair of the Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce - but perhaps more accurately it is a personal letter bringing some very good news.

First an apology

The first thing I would like to share, however, is an apology. Due to a very serious illness, I have not been a very good Chair since taking over from Mervyn. Now that I am on the road to recovery, I thank you all for your understanding during that time and I hope that my determination and enthusiasm to make the Chamber the strong local voice it should be will make up for the shaky start.

This area has, nevertheless, remained a major part of my life as my goal continues to be that of enabling a key contribution to the regeneration of Central South London - the focus of which could, with a new Crystal Palace, be the business community in and around the Crystal Palace Triangle.

The New Crystal Palace

As many members know, through my company New Crystal Palace Ltd., I have for some twelve years now, been advocating the development of a new Crystal Palace on the site of its forebear and thanks to the enormous amount of support the proposal has received from both businesses and the broader community, I think we are getting very close to success. There may soon be a situation when I will be able to demonstrate viability to a welcoming audience.

Many will have seen the personal support expressed in the local press by Stephen Carr, the Leader of Bromley Council (freeholders of Crystal Palace Park). Mike Fisher, the Leader of Croydon Council has also expressed enthusiastic support. This political will together with a ground-swell of public support has brought the vision close to the prospect of being able to become a reality. I trust I will be able to say more later.

If I succeed, as Sue Nagle has often said, 'everything changes'. One observation at the last Business Partnership meeting was that the new Crystal Palace would transform the future for businesses in the Crystal Palace Triangle area - and transform their future for good.

That is my goal – A new Crystal Palace as part of overall regeneration of the District Centre to include the road system, the transport facilities, town improvements and promotion of Crystal Palace as a Heritage Destination and thriving town centre: hence the intended further discussions with officers and councillors from both Croydon and Bromley and then their counterparts in the other three relevant boroughs starting with Lambeth. Other meetings to go into the detail of specific can then follow.

Some more positive news:

The One-way System

I have been in dialogue with Iain Sim at Croydon BC. He is very aware of the concerns of businesses in the Triangle and I am to meet him to discuss improvements in the context of the soon to be decided future of Crystal Palace Park. I may then ask for a special meeting of members to discuss the implications of what may emerge.

Business Partnership

This has been an initiative by Croydon B.C. Organized by Town Centre Manager, Amber Rusk. It has, I believe, in a relatively short period of time, become a valuable forum. Proposals are emerging that may help in the promotion and enhancement of the Triangle businesses and those based nearby. I am pleased to have been able to participate in its recent meetings, as have other Chamber members, and would recommend them to you - the next being on June 11th, starting at 6.30 pm. The venue is a Chamber member - Numidi's restaurant in Westow Hill.

Finally

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support - because what has at times felt like a huge mountain is, I believe, beginning to move.

Next Meeting

Getting together, talking through issues and exploring what can be achieved has always strengthened our ability to influence events and decisions. I would like to expand our membership and improve our attendance at meetings. Could I suggest therefore that we meet on the 1st July at Il Ponte in Westow Hill at 12 noon till 1 and then every 1st Tuesday of the month thereafter (venue and time to be advised. As sandwiches and coffee/tea will be provided, we would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending so that we can cater for the correct number. e-mail susy.nagle@tiscali.co.uk and thank you in anticipation.

This is a pivotal time for the area and I would urge all our members, whether current, lapsed, disillusioned or disinclined! to come along. At this, my first meeting as Chair, I would like to give you all an update on the very encouraging progress of the New Crystal Palace (sharing with you the strategy that is now in place to make it a reality) hear any concerns about the area and invite suggestions on the most effective way forward for the Chamber.

I trust this is helpful. I am looking forward to meeting with you all on July 1st.

With many blessings

Ray Hall
Chairman

Minutes 6th March 2007

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:25:33 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 6 March 2007

HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Acting Chair - Mary Kennedy – independent business
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Ron Davis - Abode
Ray Hall - New Crystal Palace Ltd
Nigel Harris - Railway Consultancy Ltd
Karen Moran - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Amber Rusk - Croydon Enterprise
Shahzad Siddiqui - Abode

2. Apologies

Mervyn Hing - Honorary Chairman - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Peter Runacres - Thornton Springer

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 6 February meeting were formally adopted.

4. Chamber of Commerce Chairman for 2007

Following the motion passed at the 6 February meeting, a vote was taken and Ray Hall was unanimously confirmed as Chairman of the Chamber from April 2007.

5. Lambeth Planning Matters

Ron Davis said that Abode had bought No.1 Westow Hill, the former Tanning Shop, with the aim of moving their business to there. The estate agent’s current premises at No.80 Westow Hill would be taken by a hairdresser’s.

Lambeth Council, however, had not given planning consent for A2 usage because of their concern about the impact on the balance of usages on their side of Westow Hill. Ron Davis said that Abode would appeal against this: there was a need to consider the Triangle as a whole, particularly in view of the large number of vacant premises. Amber Rusk agreed that there was a need for greater coordination across the Triangle.

6. Any Other Business

McDonalds site

Amber said that McDonald’s were considering ten bids from developers for the freehold of their former premises at Nos.15-17 Westow Hill. The A3 usage of the ground floor would be maintained, but it was likely that the property would be rebuilt with two upper storeys of residential accommodation.

Church Road scaffolding

The scaffolding above the premises of the Crystal Pantry Café, discussed at the 6 June 2006 meeting of the Chamber, was still in place. Amber understood that several developers were interested in the site, but that the owner did not want to sell. She recommended that the Chamber should write a formal letter to Croydon Council in complaint about this undermining of the commercial viability of the area, and suggested that progress should be considered at the next meeting of the Chamber.

Church Road advertising hoarding

Amber said that she was unable to obtain documentation that Bromley Council had taken enforcement action against the owners of the hoarding, indeed she had heard that the site was to be sold to a leading advertising company. She did, however, understand that the prospective buyer would accept undertakings to keep the site maintained in a good condition. Sue Nagle said that this was not sufficient and that she would wish the Chamber to send a letter of protest to Bromley.

Crystal Palace Park

Karen Moran and Sue said that they had recently been to a Main Group meeting at which Ray Hall’s scheme for a new Crystal Palace had attracted “huge support” from the wider audience present. Ron noted that the Park needed a unique selling point and that it was essential that the Park as a whole was financially self-supporting. Amber suggested that the Chamber should write to Bromley, asking 1) why there was no ice rink in 2006/07 when the previous year’s ice rink had been so successful; 2) why the Farmers’ Market could not be reinstated.

Capel Manor

As an update to the item at the 6 February meeting, Karen said that a revised planning application would be submitted to Bromley on 12 April.

Upper Norwood Joint Library

Kevin Carleton-Reeves said that he had emailed Bromley to suggest that if the planned closure of the Anerley and Penge libraries proceeded, Bromley could contribute to the Upper Norwood library which would then become a common resource for the three boroughs. The response had been polite but non-committal.

Amber drew attention to the proposal to create a café behind the library. She noted that this would create funding for the library and draw people into the Triangle: she therefore recommended that the Chamber should support the scheme.

Access to Crystal Palace Station

Karen Moran said that the access road to the station would be closed from mid-October to March because of the demolition of the turnstiles and bridge leading to the Crystal Palace Sports Centre.

The meeting ended at 8.15 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 3 April at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 6th February 2007

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:13:29 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 6 February 2007

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Rosemarie Gill - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Ray Hall - New Crystal Palace Ltd
PC Steve Hall - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Karen Moran - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Dinesh Patel - Centre Page (Budgens)
Andy Stem - Bambino
Lillian Williamson - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Matthew Yates - Transport for London (TfL)

2. Apologies

Mary Kennedy - independent business
Kennex Kanagarajnam – Pizza Express
Frank Lissimore – Amphlett Lissimore
Amber Rusk - Town Centre Manager

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 7 November meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Triangle Traders and Chamber of Commerce merger

Mervyn Hing and Sue Nagle confirmed that the two organisations had now merged.

Crystal Palace Fireworks

All present expressed their appreciation of Karen Moran’s organisation of the highly successful fireworks display on 29 November.

Upper Norwood Library

Mervyn said that the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) had contacted him and he had pledged the Chamber’s support for the campaign against the threatened cutbacks to the library’s services.

Annual General Meeting

Mervyn said that, subject to the availability of Geoffrey Gibbs and Peter Runacres, the AGM would be on the 6 March.

5. TfL: Tramlink Overview

At the invitation of Mervyn, Matthew Yates, TfL’s project manager for the extension of the Tramlink to Crystal Palace outlined the plans.

The recent consultation document had set out three options for the section between the Anerley Road bridge and the Crystal Palace bus station:
Option 1: on-street running up Anerley Road and Anerley Hill
Option 2: running alongside the railway in the periphery of Crystal Palace Park;
Option 3: running up Anerley Road, then turning by Crystal Palace station to run alongside the railway in the periphery of Crystal Palace Park.

Option 1 would affect road traffic the most and reduce the availability of parking and loading for businesses in Anerley Road/Hill. There were also fears that the very steep hill would cause operational difficulties.

Option 2 would have much less impact on road traffic and parking/loading. But it would require more property take and go through the park, although TfL would ensure replanting.

Option 3 is a hybrid, which would combine the strengths and weaknesses of the other two options.

Matthew said that TfL were aiming to decide upon a single preferred option by the end of this year, with further consultation in 2008. A submission under the Transport and Works Act (TWA) was planned for early in 2009, accompanied by a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The CPCA’s intention to oppose the scheme meant that a Public Inquiry would be held. Subject to the outcome of the Inquiry and the Secretary of State’s decision, TfL hoped that the tram extension could open in 2013. A further extension from Crystal Palace to Beckenham Junction was still a possibility.

The economic impacts of the Croydon Tramlink included a 4% increase in house prices in ward served by the tram compared to other wards and a 9% fall in unemployment claims in New Addington. The Economic Impact Report and Business Case for the Crystal Palace extension would be finalised this summer, but emerging findings suggested that the tram would increase employment in the Triangle by 3% to 5%, and increase retail spending in the Upper Norwood area by some £2 million p.a. The tram would be a catalyst for regeneration benefits, including increases in house prices, which would be worth around £150 million over the project’s 60-year appraisal period.

Sue expressed her support for the proposals. She commented, however, that the entrance into the bus station at the Norwood Gate would pose a challenge. Matthew said that experience on the Continent suggested that options such as grass tracking were feasible, but that TfL would work with the London Development Agency (LDA) to ensure that the tram would be in keeping with the park.

Karen welcomed the tram in principle, but did have concerns about its going through the park.

Mervyn asked about the likely duration of works on Anerley Hill if Option 1 were chosen: Matthew said that traffic could be affected for about eight months. Karen Moran said that when she and Sue had visited the Mayor, Ken Livingstone had told them that he favoured an option through the park rather than up Anerley Hill.

Kevin Carleton-Reeves asked whether TfL had considered connecting the tram to the Crystal Palace bus station via an underground travelator from the railway station. Matthew said that they had not looked at a tunnelling proposal, but feared it would be too expensive and pose operational and personal security issues.

Matthew emphasised that strong stakeholder support was vital for the tram’s success, particularly that of business interests. Ray Hall noted that the tram had the potential to help make Crystal Palace a centre for the regeneration of South London and cited the City Growth initiative of the LDA:
http://www.southlondonbusiness.co.uk/citygrowth/citygrowth.php
Ray said that the longer-term aim should be to connect the Dockland Light Railway and Tramlink networks.

Mervyn thanked Matthew for attending the meeting; Matthew said that he would be happy to provide a further update to the Chamber at a future occasion.

6. Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT)

PC Steve Hall said that the Crystal Palace Triangle SNT had been established for 10 months, and covered the three boroughs of Bromley, Croydon and Lambeth. Representatives of business were on the panel, and the SNT were here to serve the business community.

A shop was being renovated opposite the Police Station on Central Hill and would be in operation as the SNT’s headquarters by the end of March. The SNT were out on the streets in the Triangle and the surrounding area and were also running regular services for young people, such as at Croydon Enterprise in Church Road. Lillian Williamson highlighted the race night that was planned for 30 June at the Phoenix Centre that would raise money for “Sally’s Children” and other charities, including the local community.

Sue said that after being initially sceptical, she was now beginning to appreciate the benefits of the SNT’s activities. She was particularly impressed by the football evenings which PS Spence Ogilvie was running on Wednesday nights at the Salvation Army Hall.

Steve encouraged businesses to take advantage of the CRAC system which, for a small fee, provided automatic CCTV monitoring of suspects and a radio link to Croydon police. Sue said that its introduction had been overshadowed by its coincidence with the imposition of the One-Way System, but that now, if the system could be made slightly cheaper, businesses might be interested in taking it up. Steve said that costs would fall if take-up increased.

Mervyn thanked the SNT members for attending and invited them to provide the contact details of the full team. They are:

PC Spence Ogilvie
PC Grant Bones
PC Steve Hall
PCSO Lillian Williamson
PCSO Andy Haynes
PCSO Rosemarie Gill
PCSO Chris Horyna

Telephone for information regarding Community issues: 0208 721 2906
Email: Crystalpalacetriangle.snt@met.police.uk

NB. in an emergency call 999 or report a Crime call at the local police station.

7. Chamber of Commerce Chairman for 2007

In response to an invitation from Mervyn, Kevin Carleton-Reeves said that he would like to nominate Ray Hall as the next Chairman of the Chamber, in view of his connection with schemes to bring more people to the local area. This was seconded by Karen Moran and the motion was passed unanimously.

Mervyn expressed his thanks to Ray, and said that he considered that his enormous experience and knowledge would be invaluable. Mervyn would chair the next meeting and then look forward to working alongside Ray for the next two or three months.

8. Any Other Business

Capel Manor

http://www.capel.ac.uk/Courses/Crystal_Palace/index.htm

Karen said that six members of the Park Working Group had visited the Capel Manor grounds in Enfield. They had been very impressed and it was clear that if the college were to open in Crystal Palace Park there would be lots of animals, including a breeding programme, with plenty of opportunities for them to be seen by the public.

Sue commented that following an approach from the LDA, Capel Manor had agreed to come to Crystal Palace. However, the college’s initial planning application to Bromley had been unsuccessful. A revised planning application would be submitted in March – there was a marvellous opportunity for the local area here.

The meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 6 March at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 7th November 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 02:04:42 PST

Minutes of Meeting on 7 November 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Ray Hall - architect
Geoffrey Harding - Bennett Welch
Mary Kennedy - independent business
Karen Moran - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Lorenzo Nargi - Lorenzo's Restaurant
Chris Thomas - The Palace magazine

2. Apologies

none

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 3 October meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Christmas meal

It was agreed that the meeting of Tuesday 5 December would take the form of a meal and party upstairs at Lorenzo's.

UNIT meeting

Several of those present had attended a recent meeting of the Upper Norwood Improvement Team, at which much of the discussion had centred around Tramlink. Mervyn Hing noted that Cllr. Pat Ryan (Upper Norwood, Croydon) seemed defiant and unrepentant about the local business downturn as a consequence of the previous Labour controlled Croydon council. After a subsequent but brief discussion with Conservative Councillor George Filbey, Mervyn doubted if the new Conservative councillors have the necessary analytical skills, local knowledge and interest in rectifying the disastrous one-way traffic system.

Sue Nagle said that at a recent meeting with Ken Livingstone, she had put to him that the one-way system had destroyed the town. The original justification for the one-way system was based on the Multiplex but now that this had been scrapped there was no need for its retention. She said that the Mayor was clearly uncomfortable about the situation.

5. Next Year's Officers

It had been agreed at the October meeting that Geoffrey Gibbs would take over the role of Peter Runacres as Honorary Treasurer. Mervyn said that, if need be, he would continue as Honorary Chairman until the next AGM, but urged all members to consider this position - and that of Membership Secretary - and to put forward suggestions and nominations.

6. Tramlink

The proposals for bringing the Tramlink up to the Crystal Palace bus station were discussed. Sue said that 90% of Triangle Traders supported the plans.

Many considered that on-street running on Anerley Hill/Road would cause severe congestion problems. Therefore they felt that the most feasible approach was Option 2 - with the tram running through the edge of Crystal Palace Park. Karen Moran, however, expressed concern about this encroachment on parkland.

Those present supported Option 2 by a majority of six to one. Further details of the consultation, which closes on Monday 18 December, are at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/initiatives/tep/index.shtml

7. The Palace magazine

At the invitation of Mervyn, Chris Thomas said that, from late November, a new magazine, The Palace, would be delivered to 10,000 homes in the Crystal Palace and Sydenham area. It would also be available in places such as pubs. Chris, who has lived in the Westwood Hill area for the past six years, was keen to provide an integrated publication for the area in view of its split between five London Boroughs. The magazine would promote local interests, news stories and businesses, and would be funded by advertisements.

The Chamber welcomed the venture and wished it every success.

8. Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI)

Sue said that a speaker was due to talk about LEGI at a forthcoming Neighbourhood Partnership meeting at the Salvation Army Hall. She said that Sharon Baldwin (LB Croydon) hoped to bring someone along to discuss LEGI at the next meeting of the Chamber.

9. Any Other Business

Fireworks

Karen reminded everyone of the Fireworks Display on 29 November on the top terraces of the Park and said that it would be a spectacular occasion to commemorate the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Crystal Palace's destruction by fire.

Ice Rink

Karen said that this was due to open on 25 November. [Subsequently, the Crystal Palace Foundation website notes that this has been cancelled by the LDA - apparently because of lack of funds]: http://www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk/Events/

Crystal Palace project

Ray Hall said that he was planning to talk to the Park dialogue group about his proposals at a meeting on 24 November. Sue said that the traders were 100% behind the project and that she would encourage them to come along to give support

The meeting ended at 8.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 5 December at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant (Christmas party)

then Tuesday 6 February 2007.

Minutes 7th November 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 01:53:50 PST

Minutes 3rd October 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 23:41:12 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 3rd October 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Sharon Baldwin - Town Centre Manager, Croydon
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Geoffrey Gibbs - Gibsons
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Nigel Harris - The Railway Consultancy
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Peter Runacres - Thornton Springer
Tim Taylor - Glitter & Twisted

2. Apologies

Cllr. Sue Bennett (South Norwood, Croydon)
Cllr. Andrew Gibson (Gipsy Hill, Lambeth)
Mary Kennedy - The Tanning Shop
Frank Lissimore - Amphlett Lissimore

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 5th September meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Water supply

Nigel Harris said that following his complaint concerning the interruption to supply, he had received a rebate from Thames Water.

5. Business Survey

Mervyn Hing said that he had made an informal survey of the Triangle. There were shop fronts for about 170 commercial premises (including offices); with multiple occupancy of some buildings, there were probably about 200 businesses in total.
He noted that there were 89 retailers, 10 take-aways, 15 cafés, 10 pubs, 22 restaurants, 8 newsagents, 3 bookmakers, 16 estate agents, 5 accountants, 3 charity shops and 28 empty premises. This information will be forwarded to some of the Councillors to illustrate the unbalanced nature of trade in the Triangle and the high rate of vacancies.

Sue Nagle commented that the growth in land values in recent years had led it to becoming increasingly difficult for light industrial and commercial businesses to survive in the Triangle.

6. Safer Neighbourhood Team

Sharon Baldwin said that there was a meeting of the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday 11 October at the Gipsy Hill Police Station. She encouraged representatives of the Chamber of Commerce to attend.

Sue pointed out that the SNT needed to establish itself in order to be effective and credible. Ideally, it should be located in premises on the Triangle.

Sharon observed that the SNT was still very much in its early days. But the team is intended to provide community policing, not a rapid response role - which is the responsibility of a different unit.

7. Tramlink

Mervyn said that he understood that the current plans were for the Tramlink to be extended to Crystal Palace by 2013. He had been contacted by The Croydon Advertiser and in response to their questions said that traders would welcome the extension, provided that trams did not terminate at Crystal Palace station but ran up to the top of Anerley Hill.

Kevin Carleton-Reeves said it would be worth TfL considering the possibility of intermediate stops near Maberley Road/Sylvan Road and Crystal Palace Lake. He drew attention to the TfL site with further details of the proposals:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/initiatives/tep/index.shtml

Sue noted that the tram would encourage local independent businesses. Sharon agreed, commenting that Tramlink had had a positive effect on inward investment.

8. Next Year's Officers

Mervyn said that after February he would be obliged to stand down as Chairman because of work pressures. He invited volunteers to take his place. Sharon observed that this would be a great opportunity for somebody to take on, given the exciting times of change for the local area.

Geoffrey Gibbs suggested that it would also be helpful to have a vice-chair. There was general agreement to this suggestion and to the desirability of having limited-term posts, for instance of two to three years.

It was agreed that Geoffrey Gibbs would take over the role of Peter Runacres as Honorary Treasurer.

Mervyn also invited volunteers for the post of Membership Secretary, as Mary Kennedy was also planning to stand down.

9. Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI)

Sharon reminded the Chamber of their ability to bid for some of the LEGI funding awarded to Croydon. She had already put in a bid for LEGI funding for improving the attractiveness of the Triangle to potential customers.

It was agreed that a discussion of the scope and potential of LEGI would be helpful at the November meeting of the Chamber. Sharon said that she hoped that Croydon would be able to fund the costs of hiring a larger room for the meeting. Mervyn agreed to make enquiries about suitable venues.

10. LDA Application for Crystal Palace Park Licensing

Sharon noted that a licence was required for the Farmers' Market. Rather than apply for individual licences for particular events and activities, the LDA had applied for an overall licence to cover any eventuality, including in exceptional cases a closing time of 3 a.m.

Sue said that she understood that classical and rock concerts might be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings for eight weeks in the summer months. However, details of how this might affect access by the public to the concert bowl were still unclear.

11. Social Event at Amphlett Lissimore

Mervyn said that Frank Lissimore is inviting all local traders to a finger buffet at Amphlett Lissimore from 6.30 to 7.00 p.m. onwards on Wednesday 25th October. For catering purposes, he would like a good estimate in advance of the number of attendees. Those intending to attend are asked to inform Mervyn or Sue by Friday 20th October if possible please.

12. Any Other Business

Town Centre Manager

Sharon announced that she was leaving the position of Town Centre Manager for a new post in Croydon in relation to the LEGI. She would remain in contact over issues connected to the Park and Tramlink.

Croydon were in the process of recruiting a successor. He or she would have premises in Church Road and have the benefit of a support team.

Those present joined Mervyn and Sue in expressing regret at Sharon's departure and thanking her for all her efforts to support business in the local area.

Christmas Raffle

Those present were content for the names of the Chamber of Commerce and Triangle Traders to appear on the Christmas draw tickets.

The meeting ended at 8.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 7th November at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 5th September 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:22:08 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 5th September 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Sharon Baldwin - Town Centre Manager, Croydon
Sally Bishop - Second Hand Shop
Kathryn Bonds - Phoenix Community Centre (*)
Kim Bygraves - Way Ahead
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Roy Hall - architect
Nigel Harris - The Railway Consultancy
Bernie Jinks - Royal Albert
Kennex Kanagarajnam - Pizza Express
Tony Kemp - Lawrences
AN Other - Lawrences
Mary Kennedy - The Tanning Shop
Franck Lissimore - Amphlett Lissimore
Karen Morgan - Crystal Palace Foundation
Stan Morris - Shinebright Window-Cleaning
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Janet - Living Water Satisfies
Dynesh Patel
Mandy Raven - Glitter & Twisted
Yogi Shah - Macdonalds Discount Store
Sergio - Sergio's Delicatessen
Rosaria Trivellini - Il Restauro

(NB. These were the names recorded on the attendance sheets. Apologies in some cases where handwriting was difficult to read).

* - at the invitation of Sue Nagle

2. Apologies

Peter Runacres and three Councillors.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

item 8: Karen Morgan drew attention to the firework display which the Crystal Palace Foundation would be organising on the weekend of 25-26 November to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Crystal Palace fire.

The minutes of the 4 July meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Water supply

Nigel Harris said that his business had been affected by another five-hour cut in water supply that day.

5. Crystal Palace Exhibition Centre scheme

At the invitation of Mervyn Hing, Ray Hall gave a presentation of his organisation's proposals for building an exhibition centre on the top site of the Crystal Palace Park. The building would be based on a scaled-down version of the 1851 Crystal Palace, with the aim of "giving back to South London a focus" and making Crystal Palace strong again as a destination.

Half of the estimated construction cost of £60 million had already been secured through a private contribution, and the target date for completion would be 2010. The centre would be run by a designated charitable trust, with any operating surplus going towards the Park.

In response to questions, Ray said that the centre would have an auditorium which could seat 3,500 people, suitable for theatrical and musical performances, conferences and exhibitions. Gallery areas would also be provided. There would be an opportunity for incorporating a four-star hotel and restaurant within the building as well.

Secure car parking would be provided for the hotel, but otherwise visitors to the centre would be expected to arrive predominantly by public transport. Kevin Carleton-Reeves suggested that the area above the planned East London Line terminal at Crystal Palace station could be used as a car park.

Ray said that his organisation would need to work up the proposals further and submit detailed planning proposals to the LDA, including traffic, economic, social and environmental impact assessments.

Sue Nagle circulated a form to members present for further written comments.

6. Tramlink Extension

Karen Morgan said that she had attended a presentation by Transport for London (TfL) at Bromley Council on the extension of the Tramlink to Crystal Palace. There were three options:

1) running up Anerley Hill, terminating at the bus station;
2) terminating at Crystal Palace station;
3) running by Ledrington Road inside the border of Crystal Palace Park, terminating at the bus station.

Public consultation would start in mid-October and continue until December.

Karen provided details of the Head of the Consultation Unit at TfL (Mike Bartram tel. 020-7126-4206, mikebartram@tfl.gov.uk)

7. Current Traffic System

Mervyn introduced the form which would be used to survey the views of traders and businesses. He said that the aim was to make a case to Croydon Council based on the collective views of the business community.

Nigel Harris expressed the view that the one-way system had been poorly executed but was not necessarily bad in itself. The previous two-system had led to gridlock, negative effects were amplified by the period of the supermarket closure and, in any case, reinstatement of two-way traffic flow would create further disruption. Through relatively small improvements such as more pedestrian crossings and speed restrictions, the system could be made to work better for business interests.

Few present supported this view. Sue noted that over 60 businesses had closed since the system's introduction. Others pointed out that gridlock still occurred. Mervyn was convinced that two-way traffic could be restored relatively cheaply (much of the £2 million cost of the one-way system had been on pavements) and disruption could be minimised through good project management.

A show of hands demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of those present wanted a return to two-way traffic. A more comprehensive survey would be carried out over the coming weeks. Sue said that if there were sufficient support amongst businesses and traders, it would be worth campaigning strongly for the one-way system to be abolished.

8. Any Other Business

LEGI

Sharon said that once the issue of the traffic system had been dealt with, there would be an opportunity for the Chamber to consider other priorities. For instance, the town might wish to apply for funding from the £77 million of funding awarded to Croydon under the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), http://www.croydon.gov.uk/business/legi

Contact details

Sharon said that her phone number had changed to 07786-277-681.

Triangle Traders and Chamber of Commerce merger

Mervyn said he was continuing to discuss with Sue. The two organisations were determined to work more closely together and the aim was to achieve a merger by the end of the year.

Best of Business awards

Sharon said that nominations were being sought for these.

Peter Pan on Ice

Sharon said that this was being held in the Sports Arena in November, and shops were invited to display posters.

The meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 3rd October at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 4th July 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 06:01:42 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 4th July 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Cllr. Sue Bennett (South Norwood, Croydon)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Cllr. Luke Clancy (South Norwood, Croydon)
Yemi Dada - Palace Estates
Cllr. Andrew Gibson (Gipsy Hill, Lambeth)
Stephen Govier - Lambeth Business Against Crime (LBAC) Ltd
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Dr. Nigel Harris - The Railway Consultancy Ltd.
Colin Hasell - independent financial adviser
Mary Kennedy - The Tanning Shop
Karen Morgan - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Triangle Traders
Cllr. Graham Pycock (Gipsy Hill, Lambeth)

2. Apologies
Kennex Kanagarajnam - Pizza Express
Sharon Parry-Baldwin - Town Centre Manager

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

item 1: for "Mary King" please read "Mary Kennedy".

item 7: the website with further details of Croydon Councillors has changed to:
http://www.croydon.gov.uk/council/yourreps/councillors/136806/

The minutes of the 6 June meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Mervyn Hing said that he had dicussions with John Payne (Crystal Palace Community Association) to explain the restriction of attendance at future meetings of the Chamber to traders and other business interests, with others attending by invitation only. John accepted the Chamber's decision.

Mervyn added that he had e-mailed Peter Austin (The Norwood Society) to inform him of the position but had not yet received a response.

Members present welcomed the clarification of the Chamber's purpose.

Mervyn and Sue said that the Chamber and Triangle Traders were in principle in a position to be merged. Sue would take forward discussion of the details of this proposal with the Traders.

5. Palace People

John Greatrex noted that in April 2005, three representatives from a new magazine Palace People attended a meeting of the Chamber and circulated the publication to those present:
http://www.norwoodchamber.org.uk/minutes/20050405.shtml

Subsequently, the magazine has appeared monthly or bimonthly, published by Toby Hickman of Croydon.
http://www.ecademy.com/account.php?id=87694

John said that a new publisher was now being sought, and that it was hoped that one would be found by early September. John considered that the magazine, which contains advertisements for local firms, would provide a good opportunity to publicise the "rebranded" Chamber.

Sue suggested that the Chamber should contact the new publisher and ask for material relating to the Chamber (e.g. minutes of the meetings) to appear. In return, traders would be encouraged to advertise in the magazine. Mervyn suggested that rather than the full minutes, a summary version would be more appropriate.

6. Traffic Survey with Crystal Palace Traders

Mervyn and Mary Kennedy had made a door-to-door survey of local businesses. They had spoken to almost half of the Triangle traders, spending an average of 20 minutes at each premises. Traders were very aggrieved about the traffic situation, angry at their disempowerment.

The overriding concern was with the inadequacy of parking. For instance, one business was incurring parking fines of several hundred pounds a year.

Many viewed the one-way system with stoical resignation, but the overwhelming majority nevertheless wanted a return to two-way traffic flow. Some traders were concerned, however, about the disruption which would be caused from works to reinstate two-way traffic, and considered the continuation of the one-way system to be the lesser of two evils.

Sue Nagle said that over 50 traders had left since the one-way system had been introduced, so we had the views only of the survivors and second generation.

Andrew Gibson and Graham Pycock suggested that the Chamber should develop a strategy to build up support for a change. Residents should also be involved in the campaign, which could lead to proposals being presented to Councils and to Transport for London.

Sue Nagle asked whether Councillors had sufficient power to make effective changes, given that Crystal Palace formed a small part of several much larger boroughs. Graham said that in Lambeth, the use of local area committees could provide a useful way forward.

Sue Bennett said that Croydon did not have local area committees, but was run centrally. Luke Clancy added that Andrew Pelling (MP for Croydon Central and member of the London Assembly) is very much in favour of abolishing the one-way system. The views of the new leader of Croydon Council (Mike Fisher) were not yet clear.

Mervyn said that he would take matters forward with a further survey of traders, this time focussing on parking restrictions. He would put the draft wording of the survey to a subsequent meeting of the Chamber.

7. Political Posters on Shop Fronts

Mervyn circulated an article from The Evening Standard of 26 June which mentioned the action being taken against a trader in Wealdstone who placed a political poster in their window which did not declare the printer and publisher. He reminded the Chamber that this is an offence according to electoral law.

8. Any Other Business

Water supply

Nigel Harris raised concerns about the cost to businesses of intermittent disruptions to the water supply. He had been required to send staff home today owing to their being no water on Anerley Hill. Other members also voiced their concerns.

Andrew Gibson suggested that as well as writing to Thames Water, businesses should also consider contacting Ofwat, making clear that this was a reputational issue. http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/

Business Crime

In relation to an alleged "insider crime" at a local business, Sue Nagle noted the reluctance of the police to intervene, even when evidence was available on camera.

Stephen Govier said that he was very grateful for the invitation to attend the Chamber's meeting and gave further information about the LBAC http://www.lbac.org.uk/. He said that tackling business crime was high on the agenda in Lambeth, with a dual-track approach being taken: dealing with the offenders and intervening early. Andrew Gibson added that each ward in Lambeth would have a Safer Neighbourhood Team. Members of the Chamber was invited to the next meeting of the Area Committee for Norwood on 13 July at the Nettlefold Hall.

Sue Bennett said that Safer Neighbourhood Teams had been established in Croydon wards. The contact for the South Norwood ward was Sgt. Baxter.
http://www.met.police.uk/croydon/saferneighbourhoods.htm#00AHGZ

Ice Rink

Karen said that the ice rink would be operating again this winter, sponsored by the LDA. Its opening on the weekend of 25-26 November would coincide with the Crystal Palace Foundation's events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Crystal Palace fire. Karen added that the Foundation had asked for the traditional 5th November firework display to be moved to this weekend.

Crystal Palace Museum

John said that the opening hours of the museum were being extended to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The meeting ended at 8.15 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 5th September at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 6th June 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:46:05 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 6th June 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Yemi Dada - Palace Estates
Geoffrey Gibbs - Gibsons
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Mary King - The Tanning Shop
Karen Morgan - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Triangle Traders
Sharon Parry-Baldwin - Town Centre Manager

2. Apologies
John Ellner - Joanna's
Lorenzo Nargi - Lorenzo Restaurant
Peter Runacres - Thornton Springer

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 2 May meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

none

5. Attendees for Future Meetings

Mervyn Hing said there were concerns among members that the purpose of the Chamber of promoting business interests was being diluted through an imbalance of attendees at its meetings. He therefore proposed that attendance at future meetings should be restricted to traders and other business interests. Attendance of others would be by invitation only.

It was pointed out in discussion that there were ample opportunities for local groups to participate in other forums. Refocusing the meetings on the Chamber's primary role would encourage attendance by traders and other business interests, and increase the Chamber's effectiveness. The motion was agreed.

6. Triangle Traders

Mervyn raised the idea of a merger between Triangle Traders and the Chamber. There was common ground between the two groups, but an issue was the membership fee. Triangle Traders did not charge a fee to its members, whereas the Chamber charged an annual fee of £25. He did, however, believe that through careful budgeting it would be possible to reduce the Chamber's fee to £20.

Sue Nagle said that Triangle Traders had been established a few years previously because of some particular issues which had arisen within the Chamber at that time. However, it had not been intended for Triangle Traders to exist in the longer term and in principle the time was now right for the organisations to be merged.

Geoffrey noted that a merger would strengthen the influence of business interests by providing a critical mass. It was agreed that, on behalf of the Chamber, Mervyn would take forward discussions with Sue on the proposal.

7. Contact with new Croydon Councillors

Mervyn had made contact with the new local councillors, who said that they would be happy to be invited to a meeting of the Chamber in an informal capacity. Sharon Parry-Baldwin said that she had met the new councillors for the Croydon Upper Norwood ward. George Filbey will concentrate on the Triangle and business matters; Robert Askey will concentrate on the residential area.

Further details of the councillors can be seen at:
http://www.croydon.gov.uk/councilanddemocracy/electedreps/councillors/136806/?view=CouncilWard&action=ward&wardpath=/aboutyourarea/uppernorwood/

8. Any Other Business

Honorary Treasurer

Mervyn said that Peter Runacres has indicated that he was now looking to retire from being Honorary Treasurer. Geoffrey Gibbs said that he would be happy to take over the role.

Parking

Mervyn noted that although the parking restrictions in the Triangle had been changed, there were still some major issues about the 30 minute restrictions on commercial vehicles, and the severe problems that customers were having with unloading.

Victorian Weekend

This would take place on 1-2 July.

Rebranding

Geoffrey suggested that the Chamber was rebranded with a simple slogan such as "putting local business first".

Sainsbury's

Sharon understood that Sainsbury's were currently planning to open on Thursday 10 August. She said that matters were moving forward behind the scenes, and that Sainsbury's were not planning to take on the Blockbusters site.

Church Road scaffolding

Sharon said that issues relating to the scaffolding above the Crystal Pantry Café were still being investigated.

The meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 4th July at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 2nd May 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:47:59 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 2nd May 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Peter Austin - The Norwood Society
Banny Baksh - director
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
John Ellner - Joanna's
Geoffrey Gibbs - Gibsons
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Sue Nagle - Triangle Traders
Sharon Parry-Baldwin - Town Centre Manager
John Payne - Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA)

2. Apologies
Dr Nigel Harris - The Railway Consultancy Ltd.
Kennex Kanagarajnam - Pizza Express
Dr Amit Patel - South Norwood Chiropractic Centre

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 4 April meeting were seconded by John Ellner and formally adopted.

It was agreed that Mervyn Hing will circulate the minutes of future meetings as soon as they are compiled.

4. Matters Arising

none

5. Church Road: Residential Properties and Proposed Improvements

At the invitation of Mervyn, Banny Baksh presented his proposals for improvement to the properties at Nos. 77-89 Church Road. He envisaged restoring the original features of the seven commercial premises to the left of Alma Place and creating six new one-bed flats for rent above the buildings, thereby unifying the roofline. He had already spoken to Bromley and would welcome the views of the Chamber before formally submitting his plans to them.

John Payne and Peter Austin made clear that any views which they expressed on this item were in a personal capacity, and did not necessarily represent the views of the CPCA or The Norwood Society.

Other members present welcomed the proposals in principle. They were concerned, however, that the design and prospective tenants of the flats needed to be in keeping with the nature of the Conservation Area. One suggestion was that adding "Juliet balconies" to the flats would help increase their rental value. Mervyn thanked Banny for haven taken the time to come to the meeting, and encouraged him to have follow-up discussions with appropriate members.

6. One-Way System: Survey

Mervyn apologised for the survey being incomplete, owing to factors beyond his control, but said that he intended to complete it this week. The survey would then be sent to Croydon councillors and/or the local press.

7. Morrison's site: New Supermarket

Sharon Parry-Baldwin said that Sainsbury's press agent had provided a paper copy of a news release dated 24 April which confirmed that they had bought the former Morrison's site on a 25-year lease. Further news would follow in the next couple of weeks or so, and Sainsbury's would need to apply for planning permission, licensing and so on.

Geoffrey Gibbs said that it was important that the availability of parking was well signed. He added that contract parking on the upper levels of the indoor car park would be useful for the staff and customers of local businesses. Sharon noted that the outside parking area would remain available for the public and said that she would be discussing a "pay-and-stay" scheme for part of the indoor area with Sainsbury's.

Mervyn said that there was an indication of an end-July opening date for the new supermarket, but that this was not yet definite.

Geoffrey suggested that Sainsbury's should be invited to speak to the Chamber of Commerce about their plans and to attend future meetings. Sharon agreed - she was talking to the company, who will contact local groups once they have appointed a manager for the Upper Norwood store.

8. Any Other Business

Parking

There was concern that parking remained inadequate in the Triangle. The increase in the day-time parking limit from 30 minutes to 1 hour, due to take effect in mid-May, was of little benefit to restaurants, which were a major contributor to the area through their bringing in customers for local shops. John Ellner added that businesses should avoid excessive use of parking bays for their own vehicles - so as to free up space for customers to park. Sue Nagle said that the Chamber should still lobby for parking at the Triangle Gate.

Future direction of the Chamber

John Ellner emphasised the importance of the Chamber keeping its focus on the commercial interests of its members. It was a business organisation and should not be unduly swayed by other influences. In particular, he was concerned that there had been a lost opportunity for positive development at the Triangle Gate.

Geoffrey agreed. He noted that the area had great untapped potential, and was set to change with the arrival of the East London Line. Whether or not that potential was realised for local businesses relied upon factors such as the Chamber speaking effectively for commercial interests. For instance there was an urgent need for adequate car parking. Sharon stressed the need for a collective business voice in the Triangle. She noted that if a majority of businesses supported the initiative, the area could apply to become a Business Improvement District.

The meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 6th June at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 4th April 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:48:48 PDT

Minutes of Meeting on 4th April 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Honorary Treasurer - Peter Runacres - Thornton Springer
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Yemi Dada - Palace Estates
Geoffrey Gibbs - Gibsons
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Geoffrey Harding - Bennett Welch
Mary Kennedy - The Tanning Shop
Karen Morgan - Crystal Palace Foundation
John Payne - Crystal Palace Community Association
James Slattery-Kavanagh - Quotes

2. Apologies

Mervyn said that he had received several apologies from those who would have liked to attend.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Mary Kennedy should be added to the apologies.
Kevin Carleton-Reeves should be described as "transport consultant".

The minutes of the 7 March meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

none

5. Chairman's Review

Mervyn Hing said that he would not reiterate all the points which had been covered at the January meeting. But in the coming year, the policy would be to have one guest speaker per meeting rather than several.

James Slattery-Kavanagh noted that reviews of past years could be found on the Chamber's website:
http://www.norwoodchamber.org.uk/2006/01/overview-1998-2005.php

6. Presentation and Approval of Accounts

Peter Runacres presented the accounts, which he said were open to inspection by any member.

There are currently 34 paid-up members. Although the Chamber had made a small loss over the year, it had comfortable reserves. The Chamber had made a donation of £75 to the Crystal Palace Foundation for the Victorian Weekend.

Mervyn thanked Peter and said that he had full confidence in the accounts, which were formally approved.

7. Election of Committee Members

Mervyn reminded the meeting that he would be Honorary Chairman on a fixed-term basis until December 2006. Peter said that he would be willing to stand for up to another twelve months as Honorary Treasurer, but would be happy to step down earlier if a replacement were to be found.

All the existing members of the Committee were re-elected in a block vote:

Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing
Honorary Membership Secretary - Mary Kennedy
Honorary Solicitor - Geoffrey Harding
Honorary Treasurer - Peter Runacres
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt
Webmaster - James Slattery-Kavanagh (for web site technical queries only)

Contact details are given at:
http://www.norwoodchamber.org.uk/2005/12/executive-committee-from-december-2005.php

8. Consideration of Resolutions

There were no issues raised on the constitution which can be seen at:
http://www.norwoodchamber.org.uk/2004/10/chamber-of-commerce-constitution.php

9. One-way system/ May 2006 local elections

Mervyn requested the Chamber's permission to issue a questionnaire to local businesses in the run-up to the local elections.

Mervyn said that it needed to be a simple objective survey, in order to maximise its credibility and response rate. Following discussion, it was agreed that more detailed responses to questions on issues such as parking, or asking traders to provide evidence of the effects on their accounts (the suggestion of Kevin Carleton-Reeves) would be left to a possible follow-up exercise.

The meeting approved the printing and publication of the following questions:

1) Has your business been affected by the One-Way System prior to Morrisons' closure?
2) Have the effects been positive, neutral or negative?
3) Should the Two-Way System be reinstated?

10. Any Other Business

Parking restrictions

Mary Kennedy asked why a CCTV van is able to park every day near her business on double-yellow lines without being ticketed. James said that he understood it to have a dispensation. More generally many considered that there was an urgent need for consistency and reduced complexity in the signage around the Triangle. James pointed out that appealing against parking tickets is often worthwhile - about 80% of appeals are successful.

Morrisons' site

James said that the Rapleys' website showed the property as under offer.
http://www.rapleys-morrisonspropertydisposals.co.uk/

James understood from a well-placed source that the new owner was "a respectable household name", but had undertaken not to give further details at this stage.

James noted that as the Rapleys' site shows the rent as being over £1,000 per day, the new owner would be likely to want to open the store quickly.

James also drew attention to a Croydon Council document of 6 May 2003 which noted that the Council had provided funding for four CCTV cameras in the car park which Safeway's would maintain. He wondered how the cameras were currently being used.

Crystal Palace Park

John Greatrex said that he had submitted a new planning application for the Crystal Palace Corner to be erected for the next five years. This had been agreed by the Westaway process. He invited the Chamber, local businesses and other groups to become associated with the project as "Crystal Sponsors". This would provide the opportunity for publicity and also ensure that the Corner would be a local project. John added that on June 10 there will be a small event to commemorate the anniversary of the opening of the Crystal Palace and launch the Corner project.

John Payne asked whether the ideas of the Crystal Palace Park Consortium for a butterfly house on the top site could be presented to a future Chamber meeting. Mervyn said that would be very welcome. John said that he would invite Michael Cross from the London Butterfly House at Syon.

The meeting ended at 8.10 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 2nd May at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Agenda 4th April 2006 AGM

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 09:49:17 PDT

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 4th April 2005, 7.00pm
1st Floor, Lorenzo's Restaurant (020 8761 7485), 73 Westow Hill SE19 1TX

Please arrive at 6.45pm for 7.00pm start

Agenda
1. Welcome (7.00pm)
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of AGM 2005
4. Matters Arising
5. Chairman's Review (7.25pm)
6. Presentation and Approval of Accounts (7.30pm)
7. Election of Committee Members (7.35pm)
8. Consideration of Resolutions (7.40pm)
9. One-way system/ May 2006 local elections
10. Any Other Business

The meeting will close at 8.30pm

Minutes 7th March 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 10:59:20 PST

Minutes of Meeting on 7th March 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport Consultant
David Chen - Paradise Gold
Yemi Dada - Palace Estates
John Greatrex - Great Exhibition 2001 Ltd.
Ray Hall - People and Places International Ltd.
Frank Lissimore - Amphlett Lissimore
Sue Nagle - Triangle Traders
Sharon Parry Baldwin - Town Centre Manager
Alpen Patel - FinancialManagement UK ltd
Dr Amit Patel - South Norwood Chiropractic Centre
Daksha K Patel - Sefgrove
Kirit Patel - Sefgrove
John Payne - Crystal Palace Community Association
James Slattery-Kavanagh - Quotes

2. Apologies

Peter Austin - The Norwood Society
Kennex Kanagarajnam - Pizza Express
Lorenzo Nargi - Lorenzo Restaurant
Peter Runacres - Thornton Springer

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Peter Runacres should be added to the apologies.

John Greatrex said that he was aiming to have the Crystal Palace Corner project opened on 10 June (not 20 June) to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of the Crystal Palace. Further details will be given on the website:
http://www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk/events/

The minutes of the 7 February meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. Crime Prevention Measures and Liaison with Police

Mervyn Hing expressed the Chamber's deep regret at the deaths today of two people near Beulah Hill.

Mervyn said that an unrelated recent incident involving an air-rifle at his shop had led him to inform his staff not to challenge assailants.

Sharon Parry Baldwin said that the Safer Neighbourhood Team, a joint partnership between Lambeth, Croydon and Bromley, was temporarily housed at the Salvation Army Hall. It was beginning to establish itself and was keen to meet local business interests. In an emergency, however, traders should still dial 999.

Mervyn and James Slattery-Kavanagh had both spoken to the police, who would be happy to give a short presentation to the Chamber if a written request were made to Inspector Richard Hall at the Gipsy Hill station.

6. Crystal Palace Park development

6.1. LDA and related meetings since 28th February

Mervyn said that the LDA had held three meetings in the past week about the future of the Park.

Sue Nagle said that the Triangle Traders who attended the meeting with Nigel Westaway expressed strong support for lobbying for a car park within the consultation process. The main group meeting on Saturday favoured constructing a car park underneath the piazza. They gave unanimous support for providing an attraction on the top site and for commercial development to occur, subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.

6.2. Traders' views and taskforce activities

Sharon said that the LDA's public consultation on the future of the park had aimed to target as many people as possible. Housing remained the most controversial issue: although the proposal no longer envisaged residential development at the Triangle entrance, housing was still planned at the Sydenham and Rockhills gates, as these were considered to be too remote for non-residential development to be viable.

The overall cost of the project was £100 million. An events manager would be appointed in the early summer to reinvigorate the park in the short-term, for instance through concerts and the return of the ice-rink. In the longer-term the aim was for the park to become a centre for recreation and quiet enjoyment for all parts of the local and wider community.

John Payne said that £50 million of the total cost was for the Sports Centre, the remainder for the park. He highlighted the failure of the LDA to demonstrate the requirement for spending £50 million on the park or the need to sell parkland for housing, noting that the £11 million cost of refurbishing Battersea Park had been entirely met by public funding.

John added that he was concerned about the consultation process, in particular the participation of certain groups in stakeholder dialogues. The CPCA was opposed to housing still being in the plans. The CPCA did, however, broadly welcome the piazza-style development proposed at the Triangle entrance, subject to further detail.

Kirit Patel was concerned about the control of traffic flow. John Payne agreed: development would increase the volume of Westow Hill traffic. If the Park were a one-stop destination it would not necessarily benefit the local community. Sharon said that a traffic study would need to be carried out by the LDA on behalf of all the affected boroughs. The Mayor's plan gives a high priority to buses and rail: hence the attention given to the East London Line and Tramlink extension; cars and parking were way down the agenda.

James said that he had previously asked the LDA why none of the options involved moving the bus station from its current site. Sue said that the LDA did consider moving the station further north on the Parade, but concluded that this would be too bleak for passengers.

Sue Nagle was disappointed that, in her view, the CPCA's actions had contributed to the loss of a car park for the Triangle. She agreed with Mervyn's proposal that the Traders should make a collective declaration of support for a car park. Kevin Carleton-Reeves suggested that a possible site for a car park might be the area above the railway between Crystal Palace station and the tunnel.

Frank Lissimore expressed his concern about the continuing big divide between the business and wider community in Crystal Palace. Making the park work was critical and there was a need to strike a balance between different interests, which would involve some compromises. Mervyn said that it was healthy for people to be able to express opposing views at meetings of the Chamber. He emphasised that the commercial well-being of Crystal Palace requires the support of residents.

New Crystal Palace project

At the invitation of Mervyn, Ray Hill gave a short presentation on the plans for a new Crystal Palace on the top site. This would be based on the original design of 1851, at 22% of its size. It would be a centre of excellence for conferences, events and exhibitions. A designated charitable trust would divert any surplus income into the park.

Ray said that £30 million of private funding for the £60 million project cost was already in place. The proposal would provide the perfect opportunity for the Mayor's ambition for the transformation of the Park by 2012. The top site was a huge asset to South London and must be used positively. A new Crystal Palace would be fundamental to the vitality of the Triangle, and would benefit the wider area of South/East London.

Frank noted that there was an issue about whether people would come out of conferences into the town, rather than being restricted to the venue. Sharon agreed that this needed to be a feature of the development.

James said that the Westaway consultation could have given far more weight to proposals such as Ray's that already existed. Ray said that he would be happiest if all proposals could be given equal air-time together. Sharon clarified that the LDA were prioritising the consideration of more immediate issues such as the Sports Centre and the boating lake. The future of the top site would be considered later: the approach was to take one step at a time.

John Payne said that he would welcome an opportunity to present his ideas for the top site to a Chamber meeting. Frank agreed that this would be helpful.

6.3. Croydon Statement of Community Involvement

Mervyn circulated the draft Statement of Community Involvement from Croydon which James had given him:
http://www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/dcande/planning/ldsrep/draftscifeb2006.pdf

He noted that it is rather a dry document, but welcomed its aim of encouraging engagement with local people. Sharon recommended that the Chamber should register its interest.

7. One-Way System

Mervyn said that he had contacted the Coulsdon traders liaison group, who had been very badly affected by the new traffic and parking system. In Blackheath 100 traders had physically obstructed a road in protest at Lewisham's plans. He would continue to take similar soundings and asked for suggestions on what Crystal Palace traders could do in the run-up to the May local elections.
Sharon said that she had records of all debates of the Neighbourhood Partnerships and would give Mervyn the details. She had spoken to Ian Sim (Divisional Director, Urban Regeneration, Planning and Transportation, London Borough of Croydon) about the one-way system.
Kirit Patel noted that the long-promised disabled parking bays outside his shop had still not been created.

James recommended that there was a pressing need for the Chamber, as a representative of business interests, to ask the Council to take action. Mervyn said that he will ask the local leaders of the three main political parties to give their views on the one-way system and parking issues more generally.

It was agreed that Mervyn would also consider issuing a questionnaire to traders. Sue suggested accompanying the release of its findings with an article on the town in The Croydon Advertiser.

8. Any Other Business

Sharon had spoken to Morrisons and Legal & General. There was the possibility of enforcement action being taken if Morrisons did not maintain the lease conditions relating to the car park. On the sale of the site there was still no news, although the situation was looking promising.

James said that the Chamber's accounts would be presented at the next meeting, the AGM.

The meeting ended at 8.45 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 4th April at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Agenda 7th March 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Quotes) — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 11:00:44 PST

AGENDA - 7th March 2006

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday 7th March 2006, 6.45 p.m.
1st Floor, Lorenzo's Restaurant (8761 7485), 73 Westow Hill SE19 1TX

Please arrive at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. start

PLEASE NOTE NEW START TIME

1. Welcome (7.00 p.m.)

2. Apologies

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting (7.05 p.m.)

4. Matters Arising

5. Crime prevention measures and liaison with police (Mervyn Hing 7.15 p.m.)

6. Crystal Palace Park development (7.20 p.m.)
6.1 LDA and related meetings during week 28th February 2006
6.2 Trader's views and taskforce activities
6.3 Croydon statement of community involvement

7. One Way System: (Mervyn Hing) (8.00 p.m.)

8. Any Other Business

The meeting will close at 8.30 p.m.

Agenda 7th February 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Quotes) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 14:45:04 PST

AGENDA - 7th February 2006

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday 7th February 2006, 7.00 p.m.
1st Floor, Lorenzo's Restaurant (8761 7485), 73 Westow Hill SE19 1TX

Please arrive at 7.00 p.m. for 7.15 p.m. start

1. Welcome (7.15 p.m.)

2. Apologies

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting (7.20 p.m.)

4. Matters Arising

5. Chairman's Review
5.1 Review of key points of discussions at 2005 meetings
5.2 Storage of Chamber of Commerce's materials
5.3 Times of future meetings
5.4 Update on Morrisons' site
5.5 Topics for future discussion

6. East London Line (James Slattery-Kavanagh) (7.40 p.m.)

7. Possible Tramlink Extensions (Mervyn Hing) (7.45 p.m.)

8. Chip & Pin (James Slattery-Kavanagh) (7.50 p.m.)

9. Crystal Palace Corner Project (John Greatrex) (7.55 p.m.)

10. One Way System, New Parking Regime and Possible Red Route (Mervyn
Hing) (8.00 p.m.)

11. Any Other Business

The meeting will close at 9.00 p.m.

Minutes 7th February 2006

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 16:12:11 PST

Minutes of Meeting on 7th February 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Peter Austin - The Norwood Society
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - Tubelines
David Chen - Paradise Gold
Yemi Dada - Palace Estates
Orok Duke - resident
John Greatrex - Great Exhibition 2001 Ltd.
Mustafa Huseyin - Crystal Pantry Café
Mary Kennedy - The Tanning Shop
Nicholas Kidd - trainee journalist
Frank Lissimore - Amphlett Lissimore
Sue Nagle - Triangle Traders
Lorenzo Nargi - Lorenzo Restaurant
Darren Parish - resident
Sharon Parry Baldwin - Town Centre Manager
John Payne - Crystal Palace Community Association
Craig Ryan - Lexographic
James Slattery-Kavanagh - Quotes

2. Apologies
Dr Nigel Harris - The Railway Consultancy Ltd
Dr Amit Patel - South Norwood Chiropractic Centre

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 4 October meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Sue Nagle proposed a motion of thanks to James Slattery-Kavanagh for all his hard work as Chairman. This was seconded by John Payne and formally adopted. James thanked local community groups for getting involved with the Chamber.

Mervyn Hing expressed his gratitude for the confidence of members in proposing him as Chairman and said that he looked forward to fulfilling his role, which would be on a fixed-term basis until December 2006.

5. Chairman's Review

Mervyn said that the objective of the Chamber was to represent the interests of all commercial organisations in the Crystal Palace area. He encouraged all those connected with business to participate in the Chamber in order to make it most effective.

5.1 Review of key points of discussions at 2005 meetings

James reviewed the highlights of the previous year's meetings. Mervyn noted that some issues were likely to resurface at this year's meetings.

5.2 Storage of Chamber of Commerce's materials

Mervyn said that the materials of the Chamber would be stored under a protective cover in a back room of the Silk Route Dry Cleaners.

5.3 Times of future meetings

The proposal by Mervyn that future meetings should begin at 6.45 p.m. and finish at 8.30 p.m. was seconded by Frank Lissimore and approved.

5.4 Update on Morrisons' site

Sharon Parry Baldwin said that the future of the Morrisons' site remained confused. She understood that two food retailers were potentially interested and that Waitrose were due to make a statement in the next couple of days to clarify their position. The planning policy had been made very clear that only a food retailer would be considered.

James said that he had contacted the Sainsbury's press office. They said that to the best of their knowledge they were not involved. In contrast, a similar contact with Waitrose had refused to confirm or deny rumours of their involvement.

Peter Austin raised concerns about the broken glass and rubbish in the car park behind the store. Sharon said that if the problem persisted the Council would consider issuing an Enforcement Order.

5.5. Topics for future discussion

The following items were proposed for discussion at future meetings:
i. Crystal Palace Park development and taskforce
ii. Sports Centre development
iii. Pedestrian crossings
iv. Condition of pavements and roads
v. Upper Norwood Library - concerns over future funding
vi. Business development programmes - GLL/LDA
vii. Environmental improvements in the Triangle
viii. CCTV and Safer Neighbourhood Team

6. East London Line

James said that despite the apparent lack of activity in the Crystal Palace area, the Transport for London website (www.ellp.co.uk) makes clear that the project is definitely happening, with details of the programme of works.

7. Possible Tramlink Extensions

Peter Austin said that he understood that the latest plans would bring the Tramlink extension up Anerley Hill to the top site and that consultation would take place this autumn. Mervyn noted, however, that there had been no official confirmation of this and that any extension would be unlikely to be opened before 2012 at the earliest.

8. Chip and Pin

James said that although the banks are insisting that PINs will be essential from February 14, they had failed to explain how counterfeiters may exploit the system. The website of Chip and Spin (http://www.chipandspin.co.uk) explains how retailers are vulnerable to the use of fake cards and advises that in the event of doubt they should seek online authorisation from the card issuer. Moreover, cards requiring a signature would still be issued to customers on request.

9. Crystal Palace Corner project

John Greatrex drew attention to the Mail on Sunday article about the Crystal Palace Corner project. If possible, he was keen to have the corner erected on the top site on 20 June to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of the Crystal Palace. He had planning permission and would welcome financial contributions from local organisations towards the costs of the project - he needed to raise another £25,000. Sue Nagle congratulated John on the extraordinary amount of work that he had done so far.

10. One Way System, New Parking Regime and Possible Red Route

Mervyn said that a new parking regime had been approved. But there was some uncertainty over whether or not the maximum stay at the east end of Westow Hill had been increased from 30 minutes to an hour: Peter Austin had a plan which showed the amendment having been made; Mervyn's plan suggested that this was not the case.

Mervyn said that David Wakeling (LB Croydon) had told him that they had no immediate plans to introduce a red route along Westow Hill as the road was not currently considered as "strategic". But recent experience in Bromley, Putney and Battersea suggested the need for vigilance.

James reminded the meeting that the Chamber withdrew from Croydon's consultation on the parking regime in protest at the unstructured consultation process and the lack of response to the Chamber's comments. He said that the proposals were insufficient. Sharon advised the Chamber to continue to put pressure on councils for improvements.

An informal survey by Mervyn found an unanimous conclusion amongst traders that the one-way system had been an unmitigated disaster. John Payne enquired what had happened to the planned study of its regeneration benefits, which were supposed to be the rationale for the proposal. James said that he was concerned that the media focus on the closure of Morrisons might be masking the underlying decline created by the one-way system. Many traders were locked in to lease agreements, so the focus by Croydon on vacancy rates gave too optimistic a view.

Mervyn said that experience in Blackheath suggested that concerted action by traders could make a difference. He encouraged local businesses and organisations to get involved with the Chamber in considering the best ways of gaining support for ending the one-way system. Sharon emphasised the importance of a collective and united response from traders.

11. Any Other Business

James noted that this was the highest attendance at a Chamber meeting in the past seven years. Mervyn thanked everyone for attending and encouraged those present to invite others to meetings and get involved.

Mervyn encouraged members to come up with suggestions about what could be done in the run-up to the May 2006 local elections to bring about a return to two-way traffic in the Triangle. The 7 March meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss possible actions and to agree a way forward.

The meeting ended at 9.15 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 7th March at 6.45 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Overview 1998-2005

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 15:38:33 PST

2005
4th October 2005
- Closure of Morrisons
- Redevelopment of Crystal Palace Park

6th September 2005
- Flowers in The Triangle
- Christmas Lights

2nd August 2005
- (NO MEETING)

5th July 2005
- Business Opportunities at Local Events

7th June 2005
- Victorian Weekend in CP Park

3rd May 2005
- Alternative Traffic Management Schemes

5th April 2005
- Annual General Meeting
- Guest Speaker: Crystal Coaching - Life Coaching and NLP

1st March 2005
- Parking Restrictions

1st February 2005
- CCTV
- Westow Street/Hill Junction

4th January 2005
- (NO MEETING)

2004

2nd November 2004
- Guest Speaker: Iain Sim, Divisional Director (Urban Regeneration), Planning and Transportation, London Borough of Croydon
- Member's Directory / Diary
- Post Office Closure and Relocation
- CCTV: Ticket Collection or Crime Prevention?
- Christmas Lights

5th October 2004
- Guest Speaker: Peter Boxell, Head of Communications, The East London Line Project
- Westow Street/Hill Junction
- Member's Directory / Diary
- Doug Barnes Memorial Fund
- Post Office Closure and Relocation
- Christmas Lights

3rd August 2004
- Members Directory / Diary
- Westow Street/Hill Junction
- East London Line Extension

6th July 2004
- Members Directory

1st June 2004
- Parking & Pavement Survey Results

4th May 2004
- 150th Anniversary of The Crystal Palace
- Amendments to Parking Controls

6th April 2004
- Annual General Meeting
- Adoption of Amended Constitution
- Guest Speaker: Andrew Warde FRICS IRRV - Business Rates
- 150th Anniversary of The Crystal Palace
- Distribution of Parking & Pavement Survey

2nd March 2004
- Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

3rd February 2004
- Upper Norwood Joint Library
- Westow Street/Hill Junction
- Wilkinson Eyre/CPC Glass Building in the Park

6th January 2004
- (NO MEETING)

2003

2nd December 2003
- Christmas Party at Lorenzo's

4th November 2003
- Parking & Pavement Survey
- Public Drinking Ban
- Gipsy Hill/Central Hill Junction

7th October 2003
- Annual General Meeting
- Sharon Baldwin (Town Centre Manager)

2002

3rd September 2002
- Local News Update and Q&A Session

6th August 2002
- Summer break (NO MEETING)

2nd July 2002
- Business Networking Social Event

4th June 2002
- Golden Jubilee Bank Holiday (NO MEETING)

7th May 2002
- Budget Update by Peter Runacres FCA ACMA FPC (Thornton Springer)

2nd April 2002
- Committee Meeting

5th March 2002
- Annual General Meeting

5th February 2002
- Five ways to improve your web site - James Slattery-Kavanagh (Quotes)

1st January 2002
- (NO MEETING)

2001

5th December 2001
- Christmas Party at The Tamnag Thai

6th November 2001
- Base Property Locators - pioneering property service
- PC Kevin Holland - new home beat officer

2nd October 2001
- The Wellbeing Clinic - benefits to local businesses

4th September 2001
- Open Discussion - CCTV, One Way System, Tube and Tram extensions

7th August 2001
- Summer break (NO MEETING)

3rd July 2001
- Crystal Palace Business Watch Website

5th June 2001
- Crystal Palace Business Watch Launch

1st May 2001
- Stakeholder Pensions - Martin Lodge IFA (Hanover Park Group)

3rd April 2001
- Credit Card Fraud - Bob York (Barclaycard)

6th March 2001
- Annual General Meeting

6th February 2001
- Town Centre Update - David Kerr (Town Centre Manager)

2nd January 2001
- (NO MEETING)

2000

12th December 2000
- Christmas Party at Numidie

7th November 2000
- Work Related IT Training - Michael Schorfield (KCP)

3rd October 2000
- Accountancy, Business Matters and Taxation - Peter Runacres (Thornton Springer)

5th September 2000
- Feasibility of a TramLink to Crystal Palace - Scott McIntosh (Transport for London)

1st August 2000
- Summer break (NO MEETING)

4th July 2000
- Buying and Selling Property in the Crystal Palace Area

6th June 2000
- Safer Businesses - Sgt John Jarvest (Crime Prevention Officer)
- Radio Scheme - Gary Leatherley (Shopsafe)

2 May 2000
- Traffic Scheme
- Crime Survey

4 April 2000
- East London Line Extension - Tracey Gallen (London Transport)

7 March 2000
- Annual General Meeting
- A one-way route and CCTV in the Triangle - Croydon Council

1 February 2000
- Town Centre Update - David Kerr (Town Centre Manager)
- Crime Prevention

4 January 2000
- Businesswatch

1999

7 December 1999
- Christmas Party at The Tamnag Thai

2 November 1999
- Brian Irvine (Head of Pollution Section, L.B. Croydon)
- Neil Prowse (Visitmap)
- Sgt John Jarvest (Police Crime Reduction Unit)
- Isabel Trist (Town Centre Manager)

5 October 1999
- Geoff Bailey, Crime Prevention Officer, South Norwood

7 September 1999
- Croydon Council & Business Developments - Cllr. Pat Ryan
- Town Centre Update - David Kerr (Town Centre Manager)

3 August 1999
- Summer break (NO MEETING)

6 July 1999
- Business Watch - Sgt Ian Issac

1 June 1999
- Traffic presentation and plans for the Crystal Palace area

4 May 1999
- Bromley Business Partnership - Mike Ellis
- Illuminating the Crystal Palace Transmitter - pArts

6 April 1999
- The Transport Committee's Report
- East London Line Extension - Richard Millar

2 March 1999
- Annual General Meeting
- Tramlink - Ian Simm, Croydon Council
- Safer Businesses Radio Link Equipment

2 February 1999
- Illuminating the Crystal Palace Transmitter - Rod Duncan
- Update - David Kerr (Town Centre Manager)

12 January 1999
- Crystal Palace Campaign - John Payne

1998

8 December 1998
- Christmas Party at The Tamnag Thai

3 November 1998
- Advertising on the Internet - James Slattery-Kavanagh (Quotes)
- Update - David Kerr (Town Centre Manager)

Overview 2005

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 03:55:09 PST

Executive Committee from December 2005

noreply@blogger.com (CPNCC) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 08:10:45 PST

Executive Committee from December 2005

Acting Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing
Email: chairman@norwoodchamber.org.uk

Honorary Membership Secretary - Mary Kennedy
Email: membership@norwoodchamber.org.uk
Post: The Tanning Shop, 1 Westow Hill, London SE19 1TD
Telephone: 020 8766 8295
Fax: 020 8766 8295

Acting Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt
Email: secretary@norwoodchamber.org.uk

Honorary Treasurer - Peter Runacres
Email: treasurer@norwoodchamber.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8771 8661
Fax: 020 8771 4623

Honorary Solicitor - Geoffrey Harding
Email: solicitor@norwoodchamber.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8670 6141
Fax: 020 8670 8149

Webmaster (for web site technical queries only) - James Slattery-Kavanagh
Email: webmaster@norwoodchamber.org.uk
Telephone: 0870 777 3155
Fax: 0870 777 3156

Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce

Apology

Minutes of meeting February 10th 2009

Minutes of meeting 14th October 2008

AGM August 2008

Minutes of Meeting 1st July 2008

venue for 5th Aug meeting (AGM)

Newsletter

Minutes 6th March 2007

Minutes 6th February 2007

Minutes 7th November 2006

Minutes 7th November 2006

Minutes 3rd October 2006

Minutes 5th September 2006

Minutes 4th July 2006

Minutes 6th June 2006

Minutes 2nd May 2006

Minutes 4th April 2006

Agenda 4th April 2006 AGM

Minutes 7th March 2006

Agenda 7th March 2006

Agenda 7th February 2006

Minutes 7th February 2006

Overview 1998-2005

Overview 2005

Executive Committee from December 2005