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| Wednesday, 27 July 2011 00:03 | |||
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MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT
There were 35 members present. 1 Welcome – The meeting began with a welcome from the President and continued with the presentation of prizes for the Scarecrow Competition held in the town on 9th and 10th July. The “Best Scarecrow” was won by Living In Store for Captain Jack Sparrow. The prizes for the winning entrants went to: The President reported that the event had been very well supported and much enjoyed by all participants. The Chamber had organised free car parking for the Saturday which had proved a great success and boosted the number of people visiting the town. Town Strategy – The Chamber are continuing the battle to obtain a Town Strategy.
Christmas Lights and Late Night Shopping - the date for this year’s Late Night Shopping Event is Thursday 8th December 2011. The Secretary had had a meeting with Marlow Town Council and a prospective supplier for new lights and hopefully more definite news on this would be available at the next meeting.
Flower Beds – Sponsorship was desperately required for the flower beds in the town. The President urged members to think about sponsoring one of them ( there are 3 available) as these do make the town attractive. Contact the Secretary for more details – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Recruitment – the recruitment drive had resulted in three new members: Cloud Magic
The President reminded everyone of the increase in membership subscription to £75 per year. She reiterated the fact that it was the member’s Chamber and you “get out what you put in”.
Web site – The President pointed out that the web site had been slow in being updated but was now well on track and there was a huge improvement already.
Newsletter – the President requested any articles/input for the newsletter. Please contact her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Planning Application – 9 Dean Street. The rear of the site would be taken up by Saddle Safari and the offices at the front were to be made into 2 bedroom flats. The Chamber had given their support.
Forthcoming Meetings: Monday May 16th - 6pm – Compleat Angler Monday June 20th – 6pm – Burgers Tea Rooms 2 Presentations A presentation by Joanna Helin of Marlow Marketing followed giving hints and ideas for best social media marketing practice. Joanna offered a 2 month set up of social media for £100 to Chamber members. For more information contact Joanna on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit her web site www.jhmarketingservices.com The next presentation was from new member Kate Box of Kate Box Consulting who gave an insight into the work carried out by her HR business. For further details contact Kate on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit her web site www.katebox.co.uk A further presentation was then delivered by Hilda Stearn who promoted the benefits of attending the Wycombe Business Expo Ltd. exhibition which is to be held on 28th October 2011. She stressed the importance of more businesses from Marlow attending, either as exhibitors or attendees. To find out more visit www.wycombebusinessexpo.com 3 Planning Updates – Paul Deriaz: Mr. Deriaz commented on the absence of Councillors as they were attending a Cabinet meeting at Wycombe District Council to consider three important issues. a). Handy Cross new coach park, leisure centre, offices etc. It would appear that the Department of Transport had disagreed with the plans for the coach park and therefore a new master plan was to be considered showing a reduced coach park. b). Retailing in town centre. The 3 key sites being considered were Riley Road scheme, Liston Road scheme and Portlands Alley scheme. These plans were now being reconsidered under the new Localism Bill. The plan is for Marlow to retain as much retail area as possible. There would be a consultation held in September. More details to follow. c) Wycombe Stadium. The strategic outline case which was a very detailed document was being considered although no detailed business case was included and the authorisation for this was being considered by the committee at the meeting. Mr. Deriaz gave details of approximate funding but would report further when the decision was confirmed as one of the possibilities was that the project could be discarded completely. 4 Chamber Updates Due to the time scale of the evening, Chamber updates were not reported and following agreement by the meeting, the minutes of the June meeting were signed by the President. 5 A.O.B. – Bright Tomorrows - Francis White of Bright Tomorrows, which is a UK based charity working to bring real and lasting change to the lives of children at risk, particularly those who have been disadvantaged through extreme poverty and/or homelessness gave details of a fund raising event. Francis was opening his garden (Marlow Common) on Sunday 24th July 1.30pm – 5.30pm. This would include cream teas, games for children etc. He urged everyone to come and take part. The event would be well signposted. For further information on the charity, visit www.brighttomorrows.org.uk Late Night Shopping Event - Jo Braybrooke asked if members would consider giving up an hour of their time to help at the Chamber’s Late Night Shopping Event to be held this year on Thursday 8th December. Town Clerk – the newly appointed Town Clerk (Stuart Carter) was introduced to the meeting. He can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
There being no further business the President closed the meeting at 7.10pm with thanks to Clare from Living Store, The next meeting will be held on at 6pm on Monday 15th August 2011
at the Assembly Rooms Restaurant, Market Square (above Steamer Trading Cookshop) This would be a social and networking evening.. -----------------------------------------
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