Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce

2010-01-31T19:35:00.001Z

Welcome to the Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce.

Please find attached the minutes of the last main group meeting, held 19th January. It was at this meeting that the Chamber welcomed Barrie McKay from the Crystal Palace Museum to give us an insight on the commercial legacy of the Crystal Palaces of 1851 & 1854.

Barrie guided us through to the present and into the future and spoke on current internet market methodologies and the importance of these for businesses wanting to remain at the forefront of what they do.

The next main meeting will be on: Tuesday, Feb 23rd at 6.30pm.

We will have the honour of welcoming Sir Bob Scott, Chair of South London Business, and his Chief Executive, Peter Pledger. They are coming to share their vision for south London businesses and will expand our understanding of our market place across all 12 south London boroughs.

Our connection with South London Business is an extremely important one. Through this meeting, we hope to show them the vibrancy and strength of the Chamber and the passion of the business community of which it is part.

Please note: the venue for this meeting is the Living Water Satisfies Community Café, on Westow street (opposite Wetherspoons).

All the best

Andrew Parfitt(Honorary Secretary)
andrew.parfitt@hotmail.co.uk
tel. 07966 067 025

Minutes 19th January 2010

2010-01-31T19:27:00.002Z

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
MINUTES OF MEETING
19th January 2010: Patrick's Bar, Westow Hill

Those Present:
Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Simon Bashford (LB Croydon)
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
Alistair Cameron (Joseph Paxton Society)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (Transport Consultant)
Ray Coman (Coman & Co.)
George Filbey@ (G.F. Gauges Co. and Cllr, Upper Norwood)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
John Greatrex@ (Great Exhibitions Ltd)
Jerry Green (The Journal)
Jenny Hall (guest)
Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Barrie McKay (Crystal Palace Museum)
Rebecca Murray (GHK Consulting)
Sue Nagle* (Bambino)
Lin Neillands (Food Unlimited)
Tim Sharville (Gunpowder Studios)
Catherine Shaw (Allbone and Trimit)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair & Beauty)
* Management Committee
@ Ambassador

Apologies:
Paul Bartholomew (Vien/Orispace)
Cllr Luke Clancy (Upper Norwood)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Jason Hadden (PPC, Conservative Party, Croydon North)
Kevin Monk (Mango Swiss)
Stan Morris@ (Shinebright)
Stuart Packer (guest)
Andy Stem (Bambino)

1. Introduction
Ray Hall welcomed all to Patrick’s Bar. He thanked Sue for her organisation of a very successful Christmas party. A particular highlight was the Effras, including an impromptu performance by Tim Sharville.

2. Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the 17th November meeting had been received by all members and were agreed as a fair record. Ray said that he is working closely with Chris and Alison Carey to help obtain a recycling site at Deptford. More generally, the discussion of sustainability is a good basis for going forward to make the Triangle even better.

3. Chamber Committee
Ray said that the Committee meets monthly and recent highlights include:
• Arranging a gathering of local interests in February to discuss a design guide for the Triangle.
• A formal proposal by the Croydon Economic Development Company (CEDC) to help fund an executive officer for the Chamber.
• Finalising a contract with the CEDC which sets out what this funding will deliver.
• Stephen Carr indicating that Bromley would help fund as well.
• Jerry and Hannah coordinating the production of the second edition of The Journal.

4. Information Items

4.1. Forward look
Ray outlined the next three meetings:
• 23rd February: Our Market Context - a discussion led by Sir Bob Scott (chair) and Peter Pledger (chief executive) of South London Business.
• 23rd March: International Evening – including a presentation by the 2012 Olympics Development Authority.
• 20th April: Debate with Parliamentary Candidates.

Ray said that in the autumn, he envisaged a special meeting with local ward councillors, reflecting any changes as a result of the May elections.

4.2. CEDC funding for the Chamber
George noted that Amber Rusk (CEDC) has now moved to Purley. Ray confirmed that he is not the new town centre manager. Instead as Frank pointed out, Croydon have decided to pass some of their funding to the local business community. The CEDC will retain a strong connection with the local area. It is intended to be a trial of a new approach to business funding which, if successful, could be adopted by other London boroughs.

Ray made clear that:
• The Chamber will be happy to represent the interest of the business community, regardless of whether or not they are a Chamber member.
• Businesses can still, should they wish, go directly to their local borough for advice and support.
• The contract with Croydon will set out how the Chamber will spend the money to promote local business interests.

Jerry said that he and Hannah had been discussing, in the context of recent comment on Virtual Norwood, whether the CEDC funding was there for the wider community and not just for local business. Sue said that local people were represented by their ward councillors. The CEDC funding is primarily for regenerating the local town centre. So the main focus of the funding is on business interests.

4.3. Virtual Norwood
Sue said that there had recently been a number of posts on Virtual Norwood which had expressed concern about what they saw as the sycophantic support of the Chamber for the New Crystal Palace. Sue encouraged Chamber members to make clear on Virtual Norwood that they understand the broader context: that they voted to support the New Crystal Palace proposals in principle, but will form independent views about any more detailed scheme which may emerge in due course.

4.4. Crystal Palace Local
Because of problems with the Wi-Fi connection, Tim Sharville’s presentation is deferred to February.

5. Rebecca Murray (GHK): Questionnaire on Impact of Sainsbury’s
Rebecca said that she was carrying out a study for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and Business in the Community (BitC) to promote retail-led regeneration. Eight case studies are looking at the impact of major retailers on local businesses. Crystal Palace was chosen because of its being unusual in that local businesses actively encouraged a large supermarket (eventually Sainsbury’s) to come into the area following the closure of Safeway/Morrison’s in 2005.

Rebecca will be speaking to local businesses to gauge their opinions. She also encouraged all to complete a short questionnaire about how their activities were affected during the nine-month period when there was no supermarket, in comparison to the present.
The study is due to report in the spring. Rebecca will liaise with Ray at the time of the final report. Any information will be gratefully received.

In response to questions, Rebecca clarified:
• That although the local business demographic may have changed following the original arrival of Safeways in 1985, going this far back into the past would not be feasible.
• The focus would be on the impact of Sainsbury’s, but traders may wish to mention other factors such as the One Way System.
• The evaluation forms part of the CLG Underserved Markets Programme, which covers areas which find it hard to attract business investment.
• The survey will cover impacts on transport and parking, for instance the deterioration to the indoor car-park when the supermarket closed.
• The study will evaluate the conditions which may lead to a large retailer successfully sitting alongside local traders.

Ray said that Crystal Palace should be a town centre in terms of planning because of its cross-borough transport access, and that the Triangle had suffered through being at the periphery of three boroughs. The goal of the Chamber is to regenerate Crystal Palace, which is the key to regenerating central South London and hence all five boroughs. The New Crystal Palace is able to be a very important part of the process, but only if it enhances the viability of the Triangle.

6. Barrie McKay (Crystal Palace Museum): The Crystal Palace Legacy
Barrie said that the Crystal Palace Museum is perhaps unique in keeping alive the name of a building which was destroyed nearly 80 years ago. The strong brand name is combined with a very vibrant community. However, there is still the need for a pinnacle of success.

The original Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park was a purely commercial undertaking, albeit with strong backing from Prince Albert. It attracted six million visitors and was a pioneer in the use of franchising, with Schweppes being awarded the catering contracts. The profits generated led to the foundation of the V&A, the Natural History Museum and the Royal College of Music.

Nine businessmen then arranged for the Crystal Palace to be re-erected in a much modified form in the grounds of Penge Place, where it opened in 1854. It was promoted as being in Sydenham, drawing on the legacy of the Sydenham Wells, which George III had visited. Joseph Paxton’s designs and landscaping, especially the fountains, cost £1.35 million compared to a budget of £800,000. As a result, the Crystal Palace was never in robust financial health: even in its heyday there was only a small surplus of annual income (£122,000) over annual expenditure (£100,000).

The business model of Crystal Palace relied on a permanent collection supplemented by numerous temporary exhibitions and events such as concerts, pantomimes and fireworks. All exhibitors were charged for space. The Crystal Palace was more of an exhibition and leisure centre than an arts centre.

The company recovered from liquidation in 1911, and in the inter-war years hosted a number of trade fairs and exhibitions, including dog shows and Ideal Homes exhibitions, with full-scale suburban dwellings erected inside the Palace. Even after the fire of 1936, temporary structures on the terraces were used for events into the 1950s.

Looking to the future, there is a need for local businesses to improve their internet marketing methodology. In-bound marketing is a powerful tool to generate customers, particularly if linked with an understanding of how to optimise one’s prominence on Google searches. Using Facebook and Twitter for business is also highly recommended. And there is a need to maintain one’s business website.

The Crystal Palace Museum, which attracts 7,000 to 8,000 visitors a year, is housed in the former School of Engineering. It is available for local use – for instance, the Crystal Palace Band use it as a rehearsal room. And the museum can be hired for seminar and workshops.

Contact details are
Barrie.mckay@gmig.co.uk
0800 321 3369
www.gmig.co.uk

Barrie concluded by noting how the royal connection had always been important to the Crystal Palace. Queen Victoria opened the 1851 and 1854 buildings. And the successor to the patron of Joseph Paxton, the 13th Duke of Devonshire, was the president of the museum.

7. Date of Next Meeting
The next main meeting will be held on Tuesday 23rd February. Sir Bob Scott (chair) and Peter Pledger (chief executive) of South London Business will lead a discussion of Our Market Context. And Tim Sharville will give a presentation of the Crystal Palace Local website.

Circulation: all members of the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

Minutes 17th November 2009

2010-01-03T06:09:00.003Z

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
MINUTES OF MEETING
17th November 2009: Patrick's Bar, Westow Hill

Those Present:
Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum Integration)
Banny Baksh (Property Manager)
Sharon Baldwin (Croydon Economic Development Company)
Paul Bartholomew (Vien/Orispace)
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
Alistair Cameron (Joseph Paxton Society)
Alison Carey (Chris Carey’s Collections)
Christine Carey (Chris Carey’s Collections)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (Transport Consultant)
Ray Coman (Coman & Co.)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
George Filbey@ (G.F. Gauges Co. and Cllr, LB Croydon)
Michael Fuss (Proper Oils)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
John Greatrex@ (Great Exhibitions Ltd)
Jerry Green (The Journal)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Don Madgwick (Abbazappa Records)
Shinali McCusker (Sefgrove Chemist)
Kevin Monk (Mango Swiss)
Sue Nagle* (Bambino)
K Palka (guest)
Daksha Patel (Sefgrove Chemist)
Kirit Patel (Sefgrove Chemist)
Simon Pither (No Problem Technologies)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Amber Rusk (Croydon Economic Development Company)
Andy Stem (Bambino)
Tim Sharville (Gunpowder Studios)
Catherine Shaw (Allbone and Trimit)
Altaf Syed (Top Quality Dry Cleaners)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair & Beauty)
* Management Committee
@ Ambassador

Apologies:
Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
Katrina Gillard (Local Skill Swap)
Stan Morris@ (Shinebright)
Mike Mulvey (London Business Network)
Stuart Packer (guest)

1. Introduction
Ray Hall welcomed all to Patrick’s Bar for this special evening, organised by Hannah. He thanked Sue and Andy for providing excellent catering, including soup from the new community café, Living Water Satisfies.

2. Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the 20th October meeting had been received by all members and were agreed as a fair record.

3. Information Items

3.1. Sharon Baldwin
Sharon Baldwin said that she has run the Croydon District Centre Management team for the past three years. Now Croydon council have set up the Croydon Economic Development Company (CEDC), which is working in partnership with local businesses to deliver improvements to town centres and support thriving communities.

In Crystal Palace, she announced that the CEDC is piloting an initiative which will provide funding of £10k in Year 1 and £5k in Year 2 towards the Chamber of Commerce, with the aim of further strengthening the business community. The CEDC will have a contract with the Chamber, with which it will work closely to help with the delivery of objectives. Ideally, Sharon would like to incorporate Bromley and Lambeth too – for a partnership approach will be essential for gaining access to different funding schemes.

Members welcomed Sharon’s announcement. Ray said that he looks forward to the Chamber working closely with the CEDC.

3.2. George Filbey
George said that, as a local councillor, he has been very active with issues such as College Green and Westow Park. But on 19th October he was informed by Croydon council of allegations of financial impropriety. As a result, the Conservative whip was withdrawn, despite his being convinced that the allegations are false.

George said he will remain an independent councillor until the May 2010 elections, when he might decide to stand as an independent candidate for Upper Norwood. He looks forward to working very hard for Crystal Palace and the Triangle. If members supported him, he would be happy to continue as an activist and ambassador for the Chamber. For he very much wants to continue to contribute to this fantastic community.

Members gave George a round of applause. Ray said that George is an integral part of the Chamber and an ambassador for the Chamber.

4. Presentation: Hannah Bougen “Climbing Mount Sustainability”
Ray introduce the main focus of the evening by saying that the conclusion of his architecture finals’ thesis 40 years ago was that ‘the earth is dying’. He could not write any more and cried. Everything that he has been doing since – including the New Crystal Palace – has been in that context. Forty years on and this thought was now becoming an actual prospect recognized by many. We all need to change in order for the earth as we know it to survive. And he wants Crystal Palace to be an exemplar of how to be sustainable. He welcomed Hannah’s heart, desire and commitment to address the dilemma we face.

Hannah gave a presentation (see Annex) about the challenges of being more sustainable in our business and home lives. For we need to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities as ourselves and that they inherit an environment which gives them access to clean air, clean water and clean food.

The earth’s resources are finite. There is a narrowing funnel between the falling supply of natural resources and our increasing demand for them. We have a choice: either coping with the consequences of our failure to protect the environment or changing the way we live to adapt to the earth’s ability to support us.

For businesses, the wise choice is to become more sustainable. We should take the opportunities of new technologies and innovative approaches. This will get us on the right side of what will increasingly become a legislative and market climate which turns against poor environmental performers and embraces those who look to respect the planet’s ability to support us.

We on our hill in Crystal Palace are fortunate. We have access to plenty of expertise, we have lots of champions among us, we are a strong, creative, diverse and supportive community. We can climb the mountain to be a shining example of how to become more sustainable.

Sue congratulated Hannah on a very well-pitched presentation. George noted how Crystal Palace was once part of the Great North Wood and said how important, globally, it was to stop deforestation and, locally, to plant more trees around the Triangle.

5. Presentation: Alison and Chris Carey “Chris Carey’s Collections”
http://www.chriscareyscollections.co.uk/index.html
Ray gave a warm welcome to Christine Carey and her daughter, Alison, whom he had known for several years through their activities with the Lewisham Chamber of Commerce.

Alison said that Chris Carey’s Collections is a family business, established over 100 years ago in Deptford (when clothing was collected on a horse and cart for the market stall), which has grown to become one of the largest textile recyclers in the UK. It has two textile recycling plants, and employs over 120 people, and has a fleet of twelve vehicles which collect textiles from across southern England. As a result, over 500 tonnes of textile waste are diverted from landfill each month.

Many of the textiles are unsold donations bought from charitable organisations such as St Christopher’s Hospice, Mind and Save the Children. This leads to £1 million of income a year for the charities. Also, the company works with local authorities and waste management companies, collecting, for instance, from recycling centres.

Chris Carey’s Collections place textile recycling banks free of charge in schools and colleges. The schools get paid for every tonne of waste collected. And the firm educates children on recycling; its Banks for Education scheme runs workshops to make cuddly toys, glove puppets and customised tee-shirts.

So what happens to the textiles? 66% are reused as textiles, reworn as clothing throughout the world – including as costumes for film and television. 32% are remanufactured into various products, including felt, mattress fillings, wellington boots and flooring. Just 2% are waste: of this, the natural fibres are fed into an anaerobic digester to make compost and the synthetic fibres are incinerated for energy, with the ash used as a cement substitute.

But there is much more to be done. Each year, the UK generates 2 million tonnes of textile waste of which 1.2 million goes to landfill. Only 16% is recovered for recycling. Ideally, they would like to find a much larger site, where they could invest in recycling to create jobs for local people and provide a new purpose for so much more textile waste.

Sue said that she had visited the company’s centre at Cricket Lane, Beckenham and had been struck by the range of outputs: Versace cloaks for the Tate Modern, blankets and handbags for Selfridges and incredible garments for Goldsmiths’ Fashion Shows. The depot is full of young people and students, with all the clothing sorted by hand – which greatly pushes up the recycling rate.

Ray thanked Chris and Alison for a fascinating and inspirational presentation.

6. Presentation: Michael Fuss “Proper Oils”
http://properoils.co.uk/
film: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7708423.stm

Ray gave a warm welcome to Michael, who has come to give a presentation on another very practical way of becoming more sustainable.

Michael said that he established Proper Oils in April 2007, with the aim of creating a better alternative for waste products. The company collects waste cooking oil for free from over 1,000 caterers in the London area, including 40 in LB Croydon with whom it works in partnership through Envibe.

The cooking oil is taken to a site in Twickenham where it is filtered and decanted. The “good oil” is refined and sold as biodiesel to customers in the public and private sectors. The “bad oil” is rendered down to generate electricity. The refinery can produce over 3,000 litres of biodiesel a day.

Ideally, the company would like to have small refineries throughout London. Each site creates six local jobs, generates £400,000 a year for the local economy and saves over 1,500 tonnes of CO2 a year. So, he encourages local restaurants and take-aways to get in touch (tel. 0845 470 8091, email freecollections@properoils.co.uk) to help us climb Mount Sustainability.

Tim Sharville noted how all too often caterers dispose of waste cooking oil in unsustainable ways. He suggested that greater enforcement would help, perhaps via “The Frying Squad”...

Ray thanked Michael for a really interesting presentation.

7. Any Other Business
• Sonia from Embody and Soul http://embodyandsoul.co.uk/aboutus.aspx said that the Croydon-based company offers holistic health and beauty treatments, delivered to the customer’s door. Where possible, it uses organic and non-toxic products.
• Hannah said that the next edition of The Journal would be published in December. She encouraged members to consider advertising in it, and also to give her any photographs depicting their business or life in Crystal Palace.
• Catherine Shaw said that Cooper’s Yard would be having an open weekend on 21st-22nd November and invited all to come along to her studio. http://www.allboneandtrimit.co.uk/
• Andy said that the next Crystal Palace Festival would be held on 28th November.
• John Greatrex said that there would be a Darwin event in Crystal Palace Park on 22nd November. And on 30th November there would be a commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the fire.
• Andy gave an update on the Picture Palace Cinema campaign. The Planning Committee meeting would be at Bromley Civic Centre at 7 pm on Thursday 17th December. http://www.campaign.picture-palace.org/

8. Concluding Remarks
Ray said that following Sharon Baldwin’s offer of funding from Croydon, he will be meeting Stephen Carr, the leader of Bromley. He is hopeful that Bromley would be able to provide funding towards the Chamber, and the next step will be to seek money from the third Triangle borough, Lambeth.

Ray said that tonight we have heard how we can all begin to climb up Mount Sustainability. He had started with sharing tears. Crystal Palace, set in the heart of South London, really has the potential to make a difference. Because of the commitment and applied skill of great people like Hannah, Christine, Alison and Mike, tears can become hope for the future.

9. Date of Next Meeting
The Chamber Christmas Party will be held from 7 p.m. on Tuesday 15th December at the Gothic House, 128 Church Road. Food will be provided by the Yak and Yeti Restaurant and musical entertainment by The Effras. Tickets are available at £10 from Sue Nagle, phone 020 8653 8977 or e-mail susy.nagle@tiscali.co.uk.

The next main meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th January 2010. It will feature a speaker from the Crystal Palace Museum on Crystal Palace Commerce: Our Legacy.

Circulation: all members of the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

ANNEX: “CLIMBING MOUNT SUSTAINABILITY” – by Hannah Bougen

Climbing Mt Sustainability
Welcome and thanks for coming to this very special and important meeting. Tonight we are going to talk about the most important & pressing issue of our time. - Sustainability.

Sustainability is all about the simple fact that the world and its resources are finite. Yet we are locked into a system based on continual growth. The growth of our population - the growth of our income and our growth of consumption. In short, the way in which we are living right now is unsustainable.

It’s all very real and all very scary however, I’m not about to bang on about ticking doomsday clocks, demand you throw your car in for a bicycle or run a group session on knitting your own jam jars. But this is an issue that affects every single one of us. It can’t be ignored, it won’t go away.

We need to ensure we are equipped with the right information to take the right actions to see us through to the future. This evening has been called Climbing Mount Sustainability. For it is a journey we need to consider taking as individuals, as businesses and as a community.

What is Sustainability?
Sustainability seems like a buzzword at the moment. I’ve even heard it used by the media with regard to the future of a football team.

There are a number or definitions of sustainability.
1) Sustainability can be described as ‘ the ability to be sustained or continue into the indefinite future’;
or this one to ponder on:
2) ‘Being sustainable is about how you would act today if you knew you were going to
live forever’.
Nice and simple really. Nothing complex or scary. It’s not rocket science. It’s just good practice,
common sense. Another good definition, and perhaps the most widely used now is this one:
3) The ability to provide for the needs of the world’s current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves.

In considering these definitions two obvious questions spring to mind:

The first being: How can we continue to grow on a finite planet? We are reliant on nature’s resources that have been available to us since the beginning of our time. Resources that in the last 100 years have been depleted so rapidly. Just in my father’s lifetime – (and he’s pushing 60) over half of the world’s oil supply has been diminished.

All this time we (the universal ‘we’) have been acting as if these resources were limitless. As if we can keep taking and taking from the earth. One day there will be no more oil to find. No more limestone to turn into cement. We know oil is a finite resource and yet every year our economy demands more to fuel its growth.

“We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children.” - Antoine de Saint Exupery -

The second question is when will we have enough? The consumption driven economy shows no real signs of decline. So many of us are in this ridiculous situation where we go to work, maybe two jobs even, and we come home and we’re exhausted so we collapse down on our new sofa and watch our new flat screen TV and the commercials tell us “You need to make yourself feel better by buying more stuff” so we head to the shops to buy something to feel better, then we have to work to pay for the stuff we’ve just bought so we come home and we’re more tired so we sit down and watch more TV and again it tells you to ‘make yourself feel better, buy more stuff!’ and we’re on this crazy work-watch-spend treadmill and (depending what the purchases are…) we could just stop!

Also on the subject of ‘enough’. There is the ever-increasing issue that only the Chinese and a bunch of environmentalists seem to have the guts to talk about. The global population increase. The increasing human population shares the earth’s resources with other living organisms. With finite resources we are now in the midst of what is being called ‘The sixth extinction’. Living organisms becoming extinct at the rate of 100-1000 times that of natural extinction rates. The five previous periods of extinction occurred in prehistoric times.

BUT – limiting the population is pretty unreasonable and curbing consumption isn’t that feasible either.

We have two options it seems:
1) Deal with the consequences of living in unsustainably in a finite world
Or
2) Confront the problems caused by our actions by trying to live within our means.

It seems that living according to the earth’s ability to support us is the much wiser choice.

So as a start, let’s try to unwrap this idea of ‘sustainability’ tonight by first asking the question:
‘why is sustainability important?’.
We’ll do this by briefly covering the state of the worlds ecological and socio-economic systems. Next we’ll look at a powerful way or metaphor to further illustrate ‘sustainability’ and what that means for business. In doing that you will hopefully see it’s not all doom and gloom for finally we’ll touch on some of the benefits available to business who decide to take on the Mount Sustainability challenge by being proactive.

I will then hand over to our speakers for the evening. Tonight as businesses and individuals, be inspired and encouraged by people carrying out sustainability practices as part of their core business. Businesses that from just what they do - are on their way up Mt Sustainability and through what they do are helping the community toward that goal also.

Why is sustainability important and what does it mean for business?
As we’ve discussed it is simply common sense to sustain our environment, not least because it sustains us. You probably heard or read a variety of reports warning of the current state of the world’s oceans, contamination of our air or other alarming stories about the Earth. Just take the oceans for example. They provide us with 1,000 million tonnes of wild seafood a year – around 140kg for every man woman and child on the earth. Wearing an economist’s hat – to continue making a profit - it makes sense to protect the environment and what it produces.

Another way we could talk about sustainability is that it is essentially a “supply and demand” issue.
• On the one hand, there are problems which have to do with the decreasing SUPPLY of natural resources and the decreasing capacity of the Earth to provide what we call ecosystem services – such as filtering our water, regulating our climate and cleaning our air.
• On the other hand, we are also faced with clearly increasing DEMAND for those natural resources and ecosystem services. The concept of ecological footprint, which measures how much land and water area a human population uses, is one of the ways used to communicate this. Our planetary impact, (ecological footprint) per person in the UK is 5.4 global hectares (and if you’re wondering - global hectares are pretty much equivalent to a normal hectare). If the UK’s footprint was to be distributed evenly among the global population, the UK is currently overshooting that by a factor of three. In other words - if everyone lived like we do in the UK, we would need three more planets to support out current lifestyles. And guess what? – we’ve only got one.

We touched on population briefly but to put some figures around it the global population grows by approximately 78 million people every year. We are currently sitting at about 6.8 billion and by 2012 we’re set to stampede through the 7 billion mark. It is estimated that the world population in 2050 will be 9.1 billion - a rise of 6.6 billion in 100 years.

Not only are there more people, each one of us uses a lot more resources than we used to. Consider the consumption of these products in the 1950s to what we use now:
• Wood and wood products
• Fish
• Grain and grain products
• Liquid fuel
• Water

If we take a number of issues we are facing, we can (with a little difficulty) categorize them into ether a supply issue, or a demand issue:
Supply
• Freshwater Supplies
• Biodiversity
• Fisheries
• Decline of Frontier Forests
• Coral Reefs
• Desertification
Demand
• Population
• Consumption of Coal
• Water Consumption
• Consumption of Coal
• Poverty
• Climate Change
• Waste Electronics
• Pesticides in Humans
• Paper & Wood Consumption

So with our increasing demand for these things and the decreasing supply of them, the current situation of people on Earth can be viewed as a funnel with ever-diminishing room to manoeuvre. Life-support systems for our continued existence on the planet—those providing clean air, clean water, and clean food—are in decline. This reality increasingly backed by fact is harder and harder to ignore. At the same time, global population and global demand for the Earth’s resources and services are increasing.

In the quest for our own good health, welfare and economic prosperity, we are systematically
destroying the system that we, as humans, are completely dependent upon – nature.

So how much time do we have to turn things around? Fifty years? Maybe more? Maybe less than a few generations before the walls of the funnel finally close? No one can know for sure how much time we have. But in 1992, the Union of Concerned Scientists, numbering some 2,000 including more than 100 Nobel Laureates, told us that we had “one to a few decades” to reverse course. It has taken billions of years for life to evolve on Earth, yet the damage we’ve done has happened in a relative blink of an eye.

We have little choice but to heed the warnings. If we don’t want to leave Earth to hardy weeds and insects, we must ensure that the neck of the funnel remains open. There are many additional rewards awaiting organizations and communities who navigate to the centre of the funnel. This is what we’ll consider now.

What does it mean for business?
The funnel is all about unsustainable consumption. Its constricting walls and decreasing room to manoeuvre helps us see the basic flaws in our society, now and into the future. Every organization and community in the world demonstrates their grasp of these problems by the direction they’re moving in. They’re either ignoring the problem or proactively being part of the solution.

For those that are ignoring the problem, the narrowing walls of the funnel imply big risks. Increasing resource and waste management costs, and growing public demand for better social and environmental performance, could have dramatic and unpredictable consequences. Some will even “hit the walls of the funnel,” in the form of consumer boycotts, loss of reputation, skyrocketing legal bills, or maybe just being on the wrong side of new laws. Even organizations and communities that are seemingly not performing worse over time, will for the most part hit the wall in the future. The walls are closing in on everyone. That’s why it’s so important to start investing in sustainability NOW. The longer we wait to plan for change, the more constraints we will face over time, and the fewer options we will have.

But it’s not all about avoiding catastrophe. Making proactive investments towards the opening of the funnel allows an organization or community to reap huge strategic benefits, to seize new opportunities.

What does the funnel mean for your business or Crystal Palace as a community?

Benefits and reasons why sustainability should be considered as not just fundamental but strategic. These benefits are strategic, they don’t just make good business sense or state the obvious like 'being an ethical business or community’ or ‘reducing risk’, they are strategies that if taken on could put you ahead of competition and save you some unnecessary costs down the line.
• Avoiding increasing costs for resources or waste management. Finite resources = increased cost;
• Staying ahead of new environmental laws and taxes. Legislation – because we have no choice;
• Strengthening reputation, customer loyalty and stakeholder relations. The awareness of environmental changes such as climate change, land use and energy demand is now significant throughout the world;
• Employee retention and productivity / citizen engagement and participation;
• Expectation - The business community is expected to take a leadership role as good
corporate citizens;
• New revenue opportunities and increased market share – it’s an exciting time to be innovative! ‘the size of the problem = the size of the opportunity’.

From this we can conclude that not only does sustainability make good business sense. It can
open up new strategic pathways to put your business ahead.

So with the view that there is really no other way and that business should rise up to meet this challenge – let’s take a quick look at Crystal Palace and our journey up Mount Sustainability:
• We are advantaged: We’re HIGH UP. We’re on a hill already. And at least all that cleaner air might mean clearer heads as we muddle through all of this. We also don’t need to be too concerned with flooding!

But seriously we have other things on our side: Sustainability is now central to the plans of local and wider authorities. It is right up there on their agendas and for good reason too. But because of this there is increasing support available. And being central to five boroughs and given the relationships we are forming at the moment, we can tap into all the support offered throughout:
• ENVIBE –a local programme offering free hands on support and advice to businesses looking to increase their environmental performance: www.envibe.co.uk
• ENVIROWISE - national programme offering free independent advice to business on how to reduce waste and increase profits: http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/
• CEN – a not for profit energy agency providing impartial advice and support to small and medium sized organisations looking to reduce energy costs and help protect the environment. Contact CEN through energy@envibe.co.uk
• GREEN PROCUREMENT - Run by London Remade, the Mayor’s Green Procurement Code helps organisations across the Capital specify, source and procure recycled and sustainable products and materials. For more information contact procurement@envibe.co.uk
and many more.

We have mediums through which success can be celebrated such as the Chamber Journal, the
Transmitter, Crystal Palace Local, Virtual Norwood and local papers. That’s just currently and that’s not all of them.

We have champions already amongst us that are helping the community Climb Mt Sustainability
through their business activities. As Chamber members we have people that:
• are transport network experts
• conduct land toxicity testing
• recycle clothing, furniture and treasures
• provide skill swapping forums
• are quantity surveyors
• provide healthy, nutritious food
And we have the markets of which you are all a part of, but these also give the local community the chance to sell their produce and exhibit their crafts.

Clearly our best asset are the people that make Crystal Palace what it is. Our willingness to share, encourage, enjoy and celebrate the values that are so important to us as a community and to us as individuals. We have a long way to go UP, but together we can give it a good shot. Crystal Palace for all its inhabitants and all its potential could indeed be that shining example.

Minutes 20th October 2009

2009-10-31T18:02:00.002Z

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

MINUTES OF MEETING
20th October 2009: Patrick's Bar, Westow Hill

Those Present:
Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Matthew Ball (Electron Repro Ltd)
Alistair Cameron (Joseph Paxton Society)
John Collins (Leisure Development Partners)
Michael Collins (Leisure Development Partners)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Christopher Edwards (Telis Ltd)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
John Greatrex@ (Great Exhibitions Ltd)
Jenny Hall (guest)
Helen McIntosh (McIntosh Associates)
Girish Mohile (New Crystal Palace)
Stan Morris@ (Shinebright)
Sue Nagle* (Bambino)
Peter Phillips (Mind in Croydon)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Andy Stem (Bambino)

* Management Committee
@ Ambassador

Apologies:
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
George Filbey@ (Instrument and Gauge Engineering and Cllr, LB Croydon)
Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Amber Rusk (Croydon Enterprise)

1. Introduction
Ray Hall welcomed all to Patrick’s Bar and thanked Stan Morris and his wife, Christine, for providing the excellent catering. He apologised for not having the meeting more widely publicized, which has resulted in a smaller attendance than usual. Sue Nagle noted how many in the community are still exhausted after having been involved in organising the excellent public meeting of the Picture Palace Campaign on Sunday 18th at the Queen’s Hotel, which attracted nearly 1,000 people.

2. Minutes of AGM
The minutes of the AGM of 29th September had been received by all members and were agreed as a fair record.

3. Presentation: John and Michael Collins (Leisure Development Partners) “How Crystal Palace can become a Global Leisure Destination”
Ray gave a warm welcome to John and Michael Collins from Leisure Development Partners.
http://leisuredevelopment.co.uk

He had first met John in the mid-1990s when working on a master plan for Gibraltar, and since then had worked closely with him, and his son, Michael, in the context of the New Crystal Palace project, for which they have given consistent and solid support. He showed the beautiful hand-drawn plans for the New Crystal Palace funfair, “a design for happiness”, which they had hoped to erect on Blackheath Common as a celebration of the Millennium.

John Collins said that he had a passion for the leisure industry. His grandfather, Pat Collins, had established a travelling fun-fair in the Midlands around the turn of the last century. And in 1906 Pat had taken out a lease on an amusement park in Sutton Coldfield which included a small-scale replica of the Crystal Palace that was successfully used as an entertainment venue until 1963.

John helped his father run the amusement park at Barry Island for 40 years, until he was asked by Tussauds Group in the early 1980s to establish the Chessington World of Adventures. He also designed theme parks at Alton Towers and Port Aventura in Spain, and has run attractions of every scale. Leisure can be a huge catalyst for the development of an area.

Michael studied economics, and has become a specialist in the economics of leisure. He aims to generate projects which are financially sustainable, and this requires close attention to the local market. His many successful ventures include work for Disney Paris, the National History Museum and Baltimore Inner Harbour. The aim is to shape places which encourage people to “live, work and play in one space” and which enhance areas in need of regeneration.

Michael said that Crystal Palace has a very special history and has the potential for an equally bright future. He could see the scope for combining cutting-edge sports and entertainment at the New Crystal Palace in a way which would be sustainable, year after year, enriching people’s lives and having a major direct and indirect economic impact. It would bring enormous benefits for the businesses in the Crystal Palace Triangle, particularly because the attractions would be on a “pay as you go” basis – encouraging people to dip in and out of the venue.

All agreed that the plans were very exciting and would be immensely positive for the local area. The New Crystal Palace would be a unique selling point, drawing visitors from far and wide. And with a rich mixture of sports and leisure uses, continually being refreshed and upgraded, people would visit time after time.

John Greatrex noted how the Hyde Park Crystal Palace had been the venue for the first Great Exhibition and Expo in the world. Ray agreed that there are great opportunities for the New Crystal Palace to build upon this legacy.

Summing up, Ray said that he was very keen for the New Crystal Palace to be an exemplar of economic, social, sporting and environmental sustainability. He thanked Michael and John Collins for showing how this could happen and said that it would be fantastic to have them back to present to a larger meeting of the Chamber once their plans are further advanced.

4. Programme for 2009-10
Ray outlined the Chamber’s programme for the coming year (see Annex A). We intend to summarise each of the three “terms” in an edition of The Journal.
Andy noted that the fifth Crystal Palace Festival will be held on Saturday 28th November. He would welcome the Chamber of Commerce taking this opportunity to publicise its activities.

5. Any Other Business
Sue said that at the UNIT meeting of 15th October, the Crystal Palace and Triangle Safer Neighbourhoods Team said that they had acquired some boxing equipment. They were keen to organise activities for the local community, subject to finding additional funding and a suitable venue.

6. A Dramatic Surprise
John Greatrex directed Ray and Jenny Hall through the first scene of his play, which is about the lives of Joseph and Sarah Paxton and their fantastic achievements, including the Crystal Palace. Those present participated in the production, which formed an excellent end to the meeting.

7. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 17th November, Patrick’s Bar, 6.30 for 6.45 pm. Hannah Bougen will lead the Mount Sustainability event, which will discuss how we can - through environmental, economic and social means – help our locality and our planet to live. Crystal Palace could become an exemplar.

Circulation: all members of the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

ANNEX A
CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Programme 2009 - 2010

AUTUMN

20.10.09 Making Crystal Palace a global leisure destination: John Collins

21.10.09 Committee

17.11.09 Mount Sustainability: led by Hannah Bougen: how we can help our planet to live

01.12.09 Committee

15.12.09 Chamber Christmas party time: organised by Sue + team

SPRING

05.01.10 Committee

19.01.10 Crystal Palace Commerce: our legacy: Ken Kiss of Crystal Palace Museum*

02.02.10 Committee

23.02.10 Our market context: Sir Bob Scott, chair of South London Business

09.03.10 Committee

23.03.10 Crystal Palace International + Ambassadors night: led by Hannah & Ray

06.04.10 Committee

20.04.10 Debate with Parliamentary candidates

SUMMER

04.05.10 Committee

18.05.10 Summer Showcase: Antenna Studios + Haynes Lane Market

01.06.10 Committee

22.06.10 Summer Showcase: Coopers Yard

06.07.10 Committee

20.07.10 Summer barbeque: Ray's house

03.08.10 Committee

14.09.10 AGM

NB: August break * Date to be confirmed All meetings are on Tuesdays

Message from Ray Hall

2009-10-13T07:48:00.001+01:00

To all members of the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

From Ray Hall: Chair

Dear Member

2009 Annual General Meeting and beyond

We had a very good 2009 AGM - with thanks to all who attended and the many people who have played such key roles in enabling 2008-2009 to be a great year for our now very revived Chamber.

Attached are the minutes of the AGM. Do note especially the next main meeting on October 20th when John Collins (who is part of the New Crystal Palace team) will be speaking about how Crystal Palace can become a global leisure destination.

John is recognized as one of the world's most respected specialists in that arena. What he will say could be enormously beneficial for all of our members. Do therefore come, meet, learn from and debate with John. We will start at 6.20pm for 6.45pm at Patrick's Bar.

If a member was not at the AGM, please do note the new structure of a smaller core committee with Stan Morris, John Greatrex and George Filbey as the first of our newly appointed Ambassadors for the Chamber. If anyone would like to be involved in that new role do let me know. It is very important and key to the ongoing growth of our Chamber.

Within the core Committee, Frank Lissimore and Sue Nagle have also agreed to continue as Vice-Chairs and Hannah Bougen as our Acting Executive Officer. All three have been terrific for our Chamber throughout 2008/2009 - as has Andrew Parfitt who has done reams of minutes! Do remember that any member is able to see, on a confidential basis, minutes of Committee meetings.

Well done again to all members. The Chamber is our membership. We have had a great year and can look forward to an even better future in the coming year.

Appreciations as always,

Ray Hall Chair of the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

Minutes AGM 29th September 2009

2009-10-13T07:43:00.001+01:00

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
29th September 2009: Patrick's Bar, Westow Hill

Those Present:
Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
John Greatrex (Great Exhibitions Ltd)
Jerry Green (Haynes Lane Market)
Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Kevin Monk (MangoSwiss)
Stan Morris (Shinebright)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Tim Sharville (MangoSwiss)
Annabel Sidney (guest, Picture Palace Campaign)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair and Beauty)

* Management Committee
Apologies:George Filbey (Instrument and Gauge Engineering and Cllr, LB Croydon)
Bradley Millington (Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Silke Rudolph (The Massage Practice)
Pat Ryan (Cllr, LB Croydon)

1. Introduction

Ray Hall welcomed all to Patrick’s Bar and thanked Sue Nagle for providing the delicious catering. He noted how all the Chamber members’ names are in “A pat on the back” on the back page of “The Journal” (see item 3), which he had distributed to all present.

1.1. Minutes of Previous AGM

The minutes of the AGM of 5th August 2008 had been re-circulated to all members and were agreed as a fair record.

1.2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the main meeting of 22nd September 2009 had been received by all members and were approved as a fair record.

2. Reports

2.1. Membership position

Sarah said that over the year the number of paid-up Chamber members has risen substantially, and now stands at 53. She added that owing to an oversight, some members were unfortunately omitted from the list on the back page of “The Journal”. The next edition will have the following names added:
· Alistairs Café
· Friends Hair and Beauty
· JAG Designs
· Sefgrove Chemist’s
· Top Quality Dry Cleaners

Ray thanked Sarah Dacre and Silke Rudolph for all their hard work in consolidating and collating our increasing membership base.

2.2. Financial statement

Frank Lissimore said that Stan Morris had asked him to provide an update as, owing to another commitment, he would be late for the meeting. There is a balance of about £4,000 in the Chamber’s bank account. Sarah is preparing information to provide to Thornton Springer, who will audit the accounts by the end of December 2009. Frank is also arranging for the necessary signatures to conclude the final closure of the Chamber’s account at NatWest, which will allow for the transfer of all historical information to the Chamber’s active account at Barclays.

Frank noted how the Chamber controls expenditure effectively, with any payment of over £100 requiring authorisation by all Management Committee members. But the only source of income is the membership fee. Following discussion, Andy Stem proposed that the membership fee should increase to £30 a year from 1st January 2009, and that the Committee should review the level of membership fee in future years, with a proposal tabled at the 2010 AGM. Frank Lissimore and Tim Sharville supported this proposal which was accepted by all present.

Other fund-raising ideas were raised:
· advertisements in “The Journal”;
· hire out of the Chamber’s bunting;
· an annual Chamber auction;
· charging for the use of the logo in shops;
· Chamber merchandise, for instance tee-shirts.

Ray thanked Stan Morris for keeping such strong control of the finances over the past year. All applauded his efforts.

3. The Journal

Hannah Bougen said that the first edition of “The Journal” is designed to highlight and celebrate local businesses, cover topical issues and inform people about the Chamber. It is a record of the Crystal Palace business community. The first edition is particularly large; subsequent editions would probably be slimmer. As Kevin Monk noted, it is designed to be very separate in emphasis from “The Transmitter”, staying focussed as the voice of the Chamber. Tim Sharville suggested that we include as a regular feature “The Diary of a Local Businessman”; Frank and Sarah proposed that they produce a legal page for each issue.

Hannah said that she would welcome contributions for future editions such as articles and photographs. In future there will be advertising opportunities. She gave particular thanks to Jerry Green for his written material, advice and guidance; to Sue Nagle as co-editor; to Tim for the design and text layout; to Matt Ball (Electron Repro) for the printing; and to Ray and the Committee for their encouragement.

Peter George said that is a very good publication for a Chamber of a relatively small size. Ray added that he received a very positive response when he shared a draft with senior people at LB Bromley at a recent meeting.

Jerry said that some copies would be given to local businesses, although the main means of distribution would be electronically. It was suggested that electronic versions should be sent to local papers and to Chamber members and associates.

Ray thanked Hannah, Jerry, Sue, Tim and Matt for their great achievement. He noted that “The Journal” also signals the launch of the new Chamber logo, for which he is very grateful to Tim and Mango Swiss for the excellent design. The logo can be incorporated into stationery and business cards.

4. Chair and Vice-Chair Reports

4.1. Review of 2008-09 (Vice-Chairs)

Frank said that the past year has seen a remarkable change, with substantial growth of membership and the establishment of an effective Management Committee. People are getting involved across the spectrum of local businesses. The meetings are much improved, with people sharing experiences, a diversity of issues being covered and the focus being kept on business. At the recent South London Business meeting of Chambers of Commerce, it was noticeable that, despite our relatively modest size and resources, we are beginning to be taken seriously.

Sue said she had been very committed to Ray becoming Chair, because of his unique ability to rebuild the Chamber. With increased numbers, we are gaining a much greater prestige and respect. Over the past year, Ray has met hundreds of people, tirelessly following up every lead. We are on the brink of establishing our future viability as a district centre, and are planning a meeting with senior representatives of the five London Boroughs who have a direct interest in Crystal Palace.

Sue said that the coming year promises to be exciting. There is the potential for further progress with the Crystal Palace Park and New Crystal Palace, the possibility of an independent cinema in Church Road and the arrival of the East London Line. People keep talking about the bright future for the area: it is essential that we keep Ray as Chair and support him in his vision.

4.2. Prospects for 2009-10 (Chair)

Ray said that since Andrew Rumsey’s performance at the 22nd September meeting, “Penge in Bloom” had been constantly in his mind. It seemed therefore appropriate to establish a tradition by which people who had particularly contributed to the Chamber over the past year were thanked with a flowering plant. He presented primulas to Stan, Jerry, Sarah, Hannah, Sue, Frank, Tim, John and Andrew and said that he would subsequently give primulas to George Filbey and Silke Rudolph. Ray asked all present to propose their choice – and all replied: Jenny Hall. All applauded the recipients.

Ray said that over the past year we have made a lot of progress, “getting on to the beach”. Over the coming year, we need to consolidate and take the Chamber further. To that end he would be approaching London Boroughs with a view to their providing financial support for the Chamber’s operations. The aim was to have a meeting of all five of the “Crystal Palace” London Boroughs in May 2010. This would establish how regeneration can accelerate within Crystal Palace. Already Bromley are ready for such a conversation, and Croydon and Lambeth are expected to follow soon. But generally he is amazed at the lack of dialogue between London Boroughs. Businesses and visitors do not think in terms of LB boundaries, and neither should government. Our logo as a Chamber could in effect be “Crystal Palace without borough boundaries”.

The programme for 2009-10 is as follows:

October 20th: John Collins will talk about the potential of Crystal Palace as a globally-recognised leisure destination. John is a world ranking leisure specialist and is part of the New Crystal Palace team.

November 17th: Hannah Bougen will lead the Mount Sustainability event, which will discuss how we can - through environmental, economic and social means – help our locality and our planet to live. Crystal Palace could become an exemplar.

December 15th: this will be the Christmas party for Chamber members at a private house in Crystal Palace, with musical entertainment and Chamber of Commerce fun.

January 19th: this is planned to be led by Ken Kiss of the Crystal Palace Museum, to discuss the commercial dimensions of the Crystal Palace and how we can build on the business opportunities which this legacy presents.

February 23rd: Sir Bob Scott, the chair of South London Business (SLB), and the driving force behind the Manchester Commonwealth Games, and Peter Pledger, the Chief Executive of SLB, will talk about Crystal Palace within the context of the broader market place.

March 23rd: we will use this meeting to prepare for the May 2010 cross-borough meeting in the context of our international connections.

May 18th: showcasing the business cluster of Antenna Studios.

June 22nd: showcasing the business cluster of Coopers Yard.

July 20th: showcasing the business cluster of Haynes Lane Market.

Ray said that the aim is to achieve a clearer understanding of who we are, and what we are trying to achieve. Our vision should be to make Crystal Palace a central light for South London by 2011-12. Ray said that, whether or not he succeeds as he intends with the New Crystal Palace project, he is very confident that Crystal Palace will shine, and he thanked each member individually for playing their role and for their support.

5. Election of Officers

John Greatrex proposed that Ray should be re-elected Chair for 2009-10, and this was seconded by Andy Stem. Members voted unanimously in favour of Ray’s re-election.

Members also voted unanimously in favour of the election of the Management Committee for 2009-10:
Honorary Secretary: Andrew Parfitt
Honorary Membership Secretary and Vice-Chair: Sue Nagle
Honorary Solicitor and Vice-Chair: Frank Lissimore
Honorary Treasurer: Hannah Bougen

6. Ambassadors

Ray recommended to the AGM the appointment of Ambassadors from within the membership to promote specific aspects of the Chamber in the broader community. He was pleased to report that the following had agreed to perform that role:

Stan Morris in relation to the Triangle, which he knows so well because of his window cleaning business.

John Greatrex in relation to all things Olympics, because of his strong athletics background.

George Filbey in relation to the public sector, because of his experience as a Councillor.

Other names would be proposed as we progress forward. The idea is that the new committee services the Ambassadors as the Ambassadors work to raise the profile of the Chamber amongst members and beyond. The Ambassadors would also bring issues and opportunities in their arena to the committee and membership for consideration and action as appropriate.

The proposal for Ambassadors and the names of the people put forward was welcomed by all present and was approved.

Kevin Monk particularly welcomed Ray’s goal of the membership debating and deciding on issues relevant to the Chamber whenever possible.

7. Informal Presentation: Annabel Sidney “Bringing a Cinema to Crystal Palace”

Annabel thanked the Chair and Chamber members for their support for the Picture Palace campaign, and for the helpful resolution at the 22nd September meeting to retain the existing D2 (leisure) use of the former Gala bingo hall at No.25 Church Road and to oppose a change of use to D1 (church) use. This is very important for Crystal Palace.

There have been thousands of signatures of the local and online petitions, and over the weekend the campaign team collected many objections for delivery to LB Bromley. D2 (leisure) use is vital and independent cinema operators are interested in the property. A cinema would be an anchor business for the Crystal Palace district centre, bringing diversity, trade and culture, keeping its vitality and driving forward the regeneration of the area.

For Annabel has seen evidence of how independent businesses are currently struggling. There is a need to boost the daytime and evening economy, and to achieve retail and environmental improvements in Church Road. A cinema would provide footfall throughout the week, helping local shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés. And a cinema would be diverse, open to all regardless of background or belief, young and old. It would enhance the artistic community of Crystal Palace and the unique sense of place in the Triangle. There is fantastic local support.

Annabel stressed that the campaign is not anti-church. But there is a need to find the church a more suitable home, because of the impact it would have on traffic and parking, and the removal of the only leisure facility in the Triangle. In conclusion, she welcomed the Chamber’s support and noted how the campaign has made us even stronger as a community.

Annabel encouraged all members to attend the consultation meeting on the Croydon Core Strategy on Monday 5th October from 5 to 7 pm at the Phoenix Centre, Westow Street. Traders’ views are vital in order to put Crystal Palace on the map. She also invited all to attend a public meeting at the Queen’s Hotel, Church Road from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday 18th October, which would be a celebration of Crystal Palace and cinema.

Ray thanked Annabel for her presentation and asked Andrew to send to all members his letter to Bromley on behalf of the Chamber in support of the retention of the existing use of the site. He also echoed the importance of the October 5th Croydon planning consultation meeting.

8. Any Other Business

Stan asked about progress towards providing a pedestrian crossing in Church Road. He also noted the poor state of the roads in the Triangle, with their potholes. He said that we need to tackle the fundamentals. Frank and Sue said that matters on the pedestrian crossing are going forward behind the scenes, but that these things take time. Stan said that he will discuss with Amber Rusk (Croydon Economic Development Company) the issue of the potholes in his new role as Ambassador for the Triangle.

Kevin Monk said that he welcomed a Chamber with more teeth. He is concerned that there is a proper process for notifying and publishing resolutions. Chamber meetings should allow for a discussion of the pros and cons of resolutions. The point was noted: resolutions are already circulated in advance, with the opportunity to oppose, but it is worth re-emphasising that the Chamber embraces democratic principles. Ray agreed, now that the Chamber is growing, we needed procedures in place that will enable us to decide on issues before and when they arise. He therefore welcomed Kevin’s desire for that to happen and asked Frank to set out draft procedural guidelines.

Frank proposed a vote of thanks to Ray. All applauded Ray for his great work on behalf of the business and community interests of Crystal Palace.

9. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 20th October, Patrick’s Bar, 6.30 for 6.45 pm. John Collins (one of the world's most respected leisure destination specialists and part of the New Crystal Palace team) will be talking about the potential of Crystal Palace as a globally recognised leisure destination.

Circulation: all members of the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce

Minutes 22nd September 2009

2009-10-05T20:18:00.004+01:00

Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce
MINUTES OF MEETING 22nd September 2009: Patrick's Bar, Westow Hill

Those Present:
Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum Integration)
Matt Ball (Electron Repro Ltd)
Paul Bartholomew (Vien, Orispace, London Express Cargo)
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
Alistair Cameron (Joseph Paxton Society)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
Katrina Gillard (LocalSkillSwap)
John Greatrex* (Great Exhibitons Ltd)
Jerry Green (Haynes Lane Market)
Abbi Greene (Enterprise House – Mind in Croydon)
Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Kevin Monk (MangoSwiss)
Stan Morris* (Shinebright)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Steve O’Connell (GLA member for Croydon & Sutton)
Patrick (Patrick’s Bar)
Peter Phillips (Enterprise House – Mind in Croydon)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Andrew Rumsey (guest, Christ Church, Gipsy Hill)
Amber Rusk (District Centre Manager)
Simon Sharp (Simon Sharp Designs)
Roger Sorrell (proxy Rosa’s, Palace News, Numidie, Tamnag Thai)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)

* Management Committee

Apologies:
Jane Avis (Cllr, LB Croydon)
Vivienne Bartholomew (Vien)
Luke Clancy (Cllr, LB Croydon)
George Filbey* (Instrument and Gauge Engineering and Cllr, LB Croydon)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook’s Books)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)
Pat Ryan (Cllr, LB Croydon)

1. Introduction

Ray Hall welcomed all to Patrick’s Bar and thanked Stan Morris for providing the excellent catering. He emphasised the importance of networking and getting Crystal Palace on to the South London and wider stage.

In the coming year, Ray hopes that Sir Bob Scott, the chair of South London Business and the driving force behind the Manchester Commonwealth Games, will be able to give a presentation to the Chamber. Sue Nagle said that she had accompanied Ray to meetings with organisations such as South London Business, the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Greater London Authority (GLA). She and Frank Lissimore thanked Ray for all the work his is putting in on the Chamber’s behalf, and his effectiveness in raising our profile.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 14th July meeting had been received by all members and were approved as a fair record.

3. Five Minutes of Fame

Patrick (Patrick’s Bar)
Patrick grew up in Ireland and after university in Dublin came to London where he qualified as a chartered accountant. But Patrick decided that rather than a career in accountancy, he would go into business. After several years importing cars from Japan, he ran an east end night club, which was “interesting but hairy”. Nine years ago, Patrick suffered a personal tragedy which led him to reconsider his situation. By chance, he saw an empty building in Beckenham which he bought and converted to a successful late night bar. Then two years ago, he bought the former HSBC building at No.76 Westow Hill and gave it a total refurbishment, including the removal of a massive safe to create the downstairs bar.

The last two years have been really difficult. The area has so much potential, but receives no support from local councils. The loss of a bingo hall is “ridiculous and a disgrace”. We are plagued by traffic wardens, but lack any police presence on busy evenings. But Patrick is determined to make the bar a success, for he finds that there are “a lovely bunch of people in Crystal Palace.”

Katrina Gillard (LocalSkillSwap)
http://www.localskillswap.com/index.php?pageID=home
Katrina has lived in the local area for 15 years, and has established the Crystal Palace and Dulwich group of LocalSkillSwap. This is a community-based website which allows people to pair up directly to exchange skills, tools and expertise. It is free for people to join, and also provides an opportunity for self promotion. To take part, there are three simple steps:
1. Register to become a member;
2. Browse the site;
3. Post to swap skills.

Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Kevin said that the coming of the London Overground next summer puts Crystal Palace on the tube map as a destination. So he has bought and registered the CPtraders.com web address and is in discussions with Transport for London (TfL) about the possibility of having in-train advertisements to promote the local area and its businesses. Tim Sharville of MangoSwiss is providing helpful advice and support.

Ray thanked the three speakers and applauded their efforts.

4. Resolutions

Cinema
Frank Lissimore noted how there has been huge support in the community for the Picture Palace Campaign, which since July has been trying to bring a cinema back to Crystal Palace. In this context, he asked the Chamber to vote on a resolution to retain the existing leisure use of the former Gala bingo hall at No.25 Church Road and to oppose a change of use to a church. The resolution, which was seconded by Hannah Bougen and Stan Morris, was passed by a majority of 20 to 1, with 1 abstention.

Business Rates
Ray said that the Local Government Association (LGA) has successfully persuaded central government to allow local authorities to use funds raised through business rates to respond to local economic needs. http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=2335647 He said that with the Chamber’s approval he would engage with local authorities to press for more recycling of business rates to serve local business interests. The resolution was passed.

5. Main Speaker: Steve O’Connell (GLA Member for Croydon & Sutton), “My Vision for Crystal Palace, Croydon and South London”

Ray introduced Steve, who as well as being the GLA Member for Croydon & Sutton, is a ward councillor for Kenley, the Croydon Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development and sits on the Metropolitan Police Authority.

Steve said that he was born in a cottage in Paxton Place, next to what is now “The Mansion”, and has always closely followed Crystal Palace issues. He has written today to object to the change of use at No.25 Church Road and is excited by Ray’s plans for a New Crystal Palace. He is keen that businesses get all the support they need for economic development from the GLA and London Boroughs.

His broader vision is to regenerate the district centres of South London. Money is tight, but with the right approach, funding can be secured from organisations such as the LDA and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Particularly helpful in this context is a “something for something” approach, for instance accepting new housing in return for an investment in infrastructure.

Steve answered a number of questions:
· He recognises that the Triangle would benefit from more parking, but has yet to hear a convincing argument as to where this could be provided;
· He understands Croydon have the key responsibility for traffic issues in the Triangle, including the one-way system;
· He will use all his influence with Croydon to support a local cinema and oppose the loss of a community facility at No.25 Church Road;
· He invites members to contact him if they have issues regarding lack of police presence;
· He does not support the proposed supplementary business rate for Crossrail.

In conclusion, Steve encouraged local businesses to keep up the pressure on issues such as parking, policing, regeneration, the cinema and the park. He appreciates that being at the periphery of five boroughs can pose problems of coherence, but would be happy to help facilitate closer working, including Ray’s suggestion of inviting leaders from the respective boroughs to a round table.

Ray thanked Steve for his presentation and for taking the time to answer members’ questions. He looked forward to continuing to work closely with Steve and Croydon colleagues in order to make Crystal Palace a destination.

6. Any Other Business

Stan Morris said that he wished to record his apologies for referring to some businesses as “dead wood” during his Five Minutes of Fame at the 14th July meeting. He had misunderstood the meaning of the phrase and did not intend to cast any aspersions.

Peter Phillips said that Mind in Croydon are refurbishing the Enterprise Shop at 18 Westow Street for a relaunch on 22nd October. The project aims to promote the re-engagement of people with good mental health, and also to support business activity.

7. A Musical Surprise

Ray introduced Andrew Rumsey, the Vicar of Christ Church, Gipsy Hill, and the leader of the local band, The Effras. Andrew said how the Effra River, which still flows underground from Crystal Palace through West Norwood to Brixton and the Oval, has been a rich source of local stories and legends. He performed three songs:
· Down in the Effra
· Crystal Palace Fire
· Penge in Blue

Ray thanked Andrew for an uplifting and entertaining end to the evening.

8. Date of Next Meetings

Tuesday 29th September, Annual General Meeting, Patrick’s Bar, 6.30 for 6.45 pm, including an informal presentation by Annabel Sidney from the Picture Palace Campaign.

Tuesday 20th October, Patrick’s Bar, 6.30 for 6.45 pm. John Collins ( one of the world's most respected leisure destination specialists and part of the New Crystal Palace team) will be talking about the potential of Crystal Palace as a global recognised leisure destination.

Overview of 2008-09

2009-09-22T15:06:00.003+01:00

14th July 2009

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) Catherine Shaw (Allbone and Trimit)http://www.allboneandtrimit.co.uk/
2) Stan Morris (Shinebright)
3) Stuart Packer (voiceover artist)http://www.stuartpacker.co.uk/
4) Linda Duffy (guest)http://www.linda-duffy.com/index.html
5) Stephen Jopson (Synergy)http://www.synergyllp.com/members.html
6) Andrew Parfitt (Honorary Secretary)

Sue Nagle “Update on What Businesses Want for Crystal Palace”

2nd June 2009

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) Jonathan Rowlandson (Carberry Works)http://www.jonathanrowlandson.co.uk/
2) Emma Stewart (Women Like Us)http://www.womenlikeus.org.uk/home.aspx
3) John Greatrex

Mike Mulvey (London Business Network) “Olympics 2012 and Business”http://www.competefor.com/ or www.London2012.com/business

6th May 2009

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) George Pirintzi (Ethos Business Network)http://www.ethosbusinessnetwork.com/CrystalPalace.html
2) Barbara McLeish (Women in Business Network)http://www.wibn.co.uk/groupsnew/london?1=1&BlockID=2958846
3) Matilda and Taylor Battery (Training Points)
http://www.trainingpoints.co.uk/

Sue Nagle “Crystal Palace – Looking to the Future”

7th April 2009

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) Silke Rudolph (The Massage Practice)
http://www.themassagepractice.co.uk/
2) Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum Integration)http://www.fullspectrum.co.uk/
3) Marianna Camarotte (Braziliana)http://www.braziliana.co.uk/
4) Matthew Ball (Electron Repro)
5) Mervyn Hing (Silk Route)http://www.silkroutedrycleaners.co.uk/home.htm
6) Tim Sharville (Crystal Palace Local)http://www.crystalpalacelocal.co.uk/
7) Jason Hadden (Parliamentary Candidate for Croydon North, Conservative Party)

10th March 2009

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) Shinali Patel (Sefgrove’s)
2) Stefan Inglis (Antenna Studios)http://www.antennastudios.co.uk/mambotest/

Stephen Carr (Leader of LB Bromley) “My Vision for Bromley and Crystal Palace”

10th February 2009

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) Vivienne Bartholomew (Vien)
http://www.freightvision.co.uk/401.html

James Cleverly (GLA Member for Bexley & Bromley)”My Vision for London and Crystal Palace”

13th January 2009

Ray Hall “A New Crystal Palace in a renewed Crystal Palace Park”

11th November 2008

Five Minutes of Fame:
1) Frank Lissimore (Amphlett Lissimore)http://www.amphlettlissimore.co.uk/
2) Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)http://www.mangoswiss.com/

John Greatrex “Crystal Palace June Festival”

14th October 2008

Audrey Hammond “Crystal Palace – Past and Present”

9th September 2008

Cllr George Filbey “The One Way System, Traffic and Parking”

5th August 2008 (Annual General Meeting)

Annual Reports
Election of Chamber Committee
Gavin Rookledge “Crystal Palace Business Partnership”

Minutes 14th July 2009

2009-08-22T15:08:00.002+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of Main Meeting, 14th July 2009, Patrick’s Bar, 76 Westow Hill
Those present:
Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Ramesh Appadoo (Grand Bay)
Matt Ball (Electron Repro Ltd)
Ian Barrington (guest, Penge Traders Association)
Judy Barrington (guest, Penge Trades Association)
Paul Bartholomew (Vien)
Vivienne Bartholomew (Vien)
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Linda Duffy (guest)
George Filbey* (Instrument and Gauge Engineering and Cllr, LB Croydon)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
John Greatrex* (Sainsbury’s)
Jerry Green (Haynes Lane Market)
Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Don Madgwick (Abbazappa Records)
Kevin Monk (MangoSwiss)
Stan Morris* (Shinebright)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Merle Nestfield (The Spirited Palace)
Stuart Packer (voiceover artist)
Dinesh Patel (Budgens)
Saleh Rahman (First Option)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Yogi Shah (Macdonalds Discount)
Catherine Shaw (Allbone and Trimit)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Paul Thompson (Indigo Blue)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair & Beauty)

* Management Committee
Apologies
Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum Integration)
Simon Bashford (guest, LB Croydon)
Jason Hadden (guest, Parliamentary Candidate for Croydon North)
Charles Kejeh (De-Charles Resources)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook’s Books)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)

1.0. Introduction
Ray Hall welcomed all and thanked Patrick’s for agreeing to host the meeting. He extended a particularly warm welcome to Ian and Judy Barrington from the Penge Traders’ Association, whom he had met through Cllr John Getgood (LB Bromley) at a meeting of the Salvation Army.

1.1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 2nd June meeting had been received by all members and were approved as a fair record.

1.2. Matters Arising

Crystal Palace Festivals: Andy Stem said that the Festival on 25th July would be the biggest so far. It would include a craft fair, several markets, a talent contest and a number of well-known bands.

East London Line: Kevin Carleton-Reeves gave an update on the East London Line which is planned to open in June 2010. There is the opportunity to have advertising on the carriages, and Ray noted how exciting it will be to have Crystal Palace on the tube map, as a destination.

New Crystal Palace: Ray said that senior figures in Bromley and Croydon councils were very supportive of his proposals. He together with Sue Nagle, Hannah Bougen and Mark Pender, would shortly be meeting senior officials from Lambeth council to talk about the potential for the business community within the context of the New Crystal Palace.

2.0. Five Minutes of Fame

2.1. Catherine Shaw (Allbone and Trimit)
http://www.allboneandtrimit.co.uk/

Catherine said that she has been the inspiration behind Allbone and Trimit, designers of theatrical costumes here and in Australia. Now her main business is for weddings. She works on the basis that dresses have a life, and she is very keen to use the very best fabrics, allowing them to be worn time and again. Each item is specially made for somebody and is unique.

With her customers, Catherine gathers information through consultation, allowing decisions on the design and choice of fabric. Then she makes four or five fittings, initially with calico, then mounted on organza. Wherever possible she ensures that her materials are ethically sourced and environmentally sound.

Her next venture will be with a friend who is a bespoke tailor. She will be looking at work and leisure clothes that are well made and with a personal quality.

She employs local labourers to help at her premises in Coopers Yard. Each year she has two open studio weekends: the next will be in October/November, with mulled wine.
Andy complemented Catherine on the dresses she had made recently for the wedding of a couple of his friends. Ray noted how, when planning big events, we should look to people like Catherine to ensure they are as environmentally sustainable as possible.

2.2. Stan Morris (Shinebright)

Stan said that the tools of his trade comprised a bucket, water, a bit of fairy liquid and two pairs of ladders. He was born 63 years ago in the Oval, one of seven children. A great influence on his teenage years was Alan Griffiths, a neighbour and friend.

In his early 20s, Stan joined the army, wanting to be a “man of character” by doing good things. He is happy to have served his country. For many years since he has been a window-cleaner. His customers include 110 businesses in the Triangle, nearly half the total premises.

Stan said how he is lucky to have a lovely wife, Christine, to whom he has been married for 36 years, and three wonderful sons. His nicknames include “Stan the Man” and “The Mouth of the Palace”.

Sue led a round of applause for Stan; all were moved by how he spoke from his heart about his life and family. Ray also thanked Stan, his wife and family for making the sandwiches for this evening’s meeting.

2.3. Stuart Packer (voiceover artist)
http://www.stuartpacker.co.uk/

Raised in Somerset, Stuart became a civil engineer, where he developed the ability to say long words. At the age of 26, he decided to become more creative and attended drama school and from 1991 became an actor, developing a great appreciation of audiences. Then in 2003 he became a voice-over artist, providing voices for radio, television and across the media. From Antenna Studios, his recordings are used across the world. He has also done work in Crystal Palace for local businesses such as MangoSwiss.

All complemented Stuart on an entertaining and fascinating presentation.

2.4. Linda Duffy (guest)
http://www.linda-duffy.com/index.html

Linda has been collecting stories about Crystal Palace for an arts project, and the aim is to put some of them into a small booklet. For this area is so rich in stories, with a strong sense of community.

Ray thanked Linda for contributing to the rich variety of Crystal Palace, and ensuring that different voices are heard and preserved.

2.5. Stephen Jopson (Synergy)
http://www.synergyllp.com/members.html

Stephen is a quantity surveyor and senior partner in Synergy, a firm of construction and property consultants. He first met Ray five years ago, and has been appointed to help the design team of the New Crystal Palace. With many peaks and troughs over the past five years, it is an enormous task to cost the materials for such a fascinating scheme. He is totally committed to the success of the New Crystal Palace and making it happen. The aim is to have a totally flexible design, centred around the use of glass, in a way which is sustainable for the environment and the community.

Sue said how wonderful it is to learn of this vision. Ray thanked Stephen warmly for all his help in keeping the project going and in making it credible.

2.6. Andrew Parfitt (Honorary Secretary)
(With many thanks to Sarah Dacre for making an initial note of this item)

Andrew’s family came from Croydon, but when he was young his parents moved to Cheltenham. Eventually, he came back to London, living for several years in Kings Cross, where he thoroughly enjoyed his time.

The time came to move on again and Andrew wasn’t sure where to go. It needed to be accessible and maybe a little more leafy than Kings Cross. A friend mentioned Crystal Palace and whilst Andrew knew of Crystal Palace Football Club and about the masts he had absolutely no idea about the area back then in 2001.

Andrew visited Crystal Palace and was “bowled over” in pleasant surprise at its delights. He rented a flat off Gipsy Hill and discovered the great secrets of South East London’s open spaces, shops and restaurants. He also discovered something else in Crystal Palace: to his joy he fell in love with his near neighbour Annabel and now, eight years on, their love is still as strong and they live “just across the hill”.

Andrew is a senior economist in the Whitehall civil service. In 2006, when he heard the role of minute-taker for the Chamber was up for grabs, he volunteered. He wanted to draw on his professional experience and give something back to the community. Over time, Andrew has become increasingly involved with the Chamber’s management. There have been many changes, and Andrew is relishing in the transformation of the Chamber under Ray.

Andrew has developed a relationship with Ray that is in some ways similar to that of an official and a Minister. He has absolute respect for Ray and the direction in which he is taking the chamber, whilst at all times he seeks to remain neutral, professional and committed to his role as minute taker.

3.0. Main Item: Sue Nagle, “Update on What Businesses Want for Crystal Palace”

Sue gave the following speech:

Well if there were ever any doubts as to the enthusiasm and passion felt for the future of the area by those who work and trade here, they were dispelled at our first meeting of the business concern process on the 6th May. At the start time of the meeting we were rather disappointed by the low turn-out but come 7pm we were rushing to get more chairs.

We had asked people to take part in probably the most important process in the Triangle for years. We told our members of the interest presently focussed on the area and the need to define what we want, what we need and what we want Crystal Palace to be and be perceived as.

Whenever an organisation decides to start such a process, there is always the risk of the ‘who do they think they are’ syndrome but we saw no hint of that thinking. What we found was a desire to move forward in a united and helpful way.

In fact the way people reacted and interacted during the first meeting was incredibly encouraging and if the passion and enthusiasm and the same high level of agreement of those who were there continues, then we are certain that we will end up with a master plan for the area that our Chairman will be able to take forward and introduce to those who can bring it into being.

I will just summarise some of the findings from the meeting and actions that can result from it.
1) I don’t think there were any surprises in the responses but it was interesting that when listing the positives, it seemed that we were living in heaven itself.
2) The only threats to our paradise were caused by the one way system and crime. As crime seems to be prevalent in and around all cities, the OWS was definitely public enemy no 1.
3) There is a need for further discussion and investigation into the working of the system, whether more parking could be provided and how to make the system safer for pedestrians. There was a general feeling that it is hard to teach our children how to cross as the crossing lights are often on red at the same time as the lights are tempting the children to cross when the lights say not to..
4) There was general agreement that Crystal Palace has a lot going for it.
5) When talking about successes, the people came a strong first. – the tenacious traders, the artisans, the musicians, the eccentrics and assorted others. The people have a pride and passion that binds the community noticeably together.
6) The people were closely followed by the park and the grand heritage it evokes. I don’t think any of us have walked through the park and not felt the past under our feet and in our minds.
7) There was a general affection for the markets, the festivals with the live music, the street stalls, the Library and the diversity of the restaurants.
8) Then there are the views, the fresh air and the good transport links. We all felt lucky to have two local magazines and a wonderful chat forum in Virtual Norwood. Interestingly nobody listed the museum as a success and we need to investigate how to make the museum better and more visible along with other ways of promoting the heritage of the area.
9) This brought us naturally onto how to attract more customers to the area. It was recognised that the decline of the district trading centre had started before the credit crunch with the introduction of the one way system not tipping us over the edge as much as picking us up screaming and throwing us over the edge. The town centre manager, Sharon Baldwin, informed us of an idea to fill empty shops with local artwork and although we appreciate all the work that Sharon has done for us, members felt that although measures such as this would undoubtedly help, they were not going to reverse the decline. We needed to entice more customers and the only thing that would do that would be an attraction but not an attraction that could be found in any number of other towns. Tim Sharville said quite rightly that it had to be unique to Crystal Palace. It should build on our heritage and take full advantage of the most important selling point, the name Crystal Palace. It should link so strongly to the town that its success was our success and its customers were our customers. With the Chamber’s stated support for the new Crystal Palace, there is a need to take the discussion further and to explore how such a building could link with the town so that the Palace, the town and the Park work as one destination offering benefit to all who work and live here.
10) When members were asked what they wanted Crystal Palace’s image to be, a very interesting thing occurred. People were extremely diverse in their opinions. Some placed importance on its musical focus, some its heritage, others loved the interesting little shops, its eating places, etc. Basically the diversity of the suggestions has begun to define the image so the first word to go into the pot must be Diversity. We want Crystal Palace to carry on the legacy of THE Crystal Palace. We want it to be international, encompassing all ages and talents, vibrant, proud, sophisticated and quirky at the same time. Members weren’t saying no to chain stores but would want to be selective. (HMV and M&S were mentioned as stores that might not clash with existing traders).
11) There was fairly unanimous agreement that the OWS needs sorting out. It is dangerous and completely unsatisfactory. The traffic travels around the Triangle at a dangerous speed and this, together with the phasing of the lights, produces a very hostile environment for pedestrians. If the council believed that we would get used to the one way system they were wrong. The absolute hatred that those who live and work here feel for the OWS is probably even stronger now than when it was introduced. Traders who have struggled to woo their customers back have had to watch as they are given tickets or look on helplessly as they drove past unable to find a parking space. That’s of course if they can get their goods delivered in the first place. It is also impossible to teach children how to cross as when the crossing light is at red for them, the traffic has in fact stopped. It is extremely hard to survive as a trader in Crystal Palace now and, if proper parking is not found, it is hard to see the situation changing. The strength of opposition to the One Way System is as strong as ever and we need to investigate the possibility of diagonal parking along the Parade; using the bus lane between rush hours, a car park as part of a new Crystal Palace on the top site, sites in the town for a car park and reverting to a two- way system.
12) I think the most surprising thing for me that night was this. As I said earlier, the word that cropped up most often when describing Crystal Palace was diversity and yet on that night we had sixty odd traders in the room singing in unison. We were united even in our opposition.
13) I believe that that is because we are informed and because our love of the area and our determination to make it work allows us, in spite of all the odds, to look forward and invest in a vision for the future that we are all going to share. We all know that we have one of the greatest names in the world at our disposal and we know that with the help of all our Gods we can make it work for us. Some are hanging by threads but we are all still here. We know that Crystal Palace could be special – world class and we want to be part of it.
Let me leave you with one of the more amusing findings of the night. We found out that you can’t buy socks or knickers in the Triangle if you like your socks black and your knickers with the undercarriage intact...
There was general support for the points made by Sue. In the follow-up discussion, additional points included:
A two-way system could allow for additional parking if lorries and buses were still subject to a one-way system, properly policed;
The lack of pedestrian crossings in Church Road was a key concern, but all the junctions were dangerous for pedestrians;
The roundabout at the top of Anerley Hill worked much better than the current traffic lights;
Ray, George and Kevin were exploring improvements to the pedestrian and traffic environment in the Triangle;
For independent shops, it is crucial for people to be able to stop and park, whether as customers or to make deliveries;

Ray said that Mike Fisher, the Leader of Croydon Council commented on a recent visit that Crystal Palace feels now much more of a positive place. Mike is open to suggestions on how the traffic and parking problems could be resolved. Ray will follow up with him, and a future meeting of the Chamber will focus on transport issues.

In conclusion, Ray said that we as the Chamber are the people to set the agenda. We are much better placed than we have been in the past, and we should look to the future with optimism.

5.0. Dates of Next Main Meetings

22nd September - guest speaker, Steve O'Connell, GLA member for Croydon & Sutton
29th September - Annual General Meeting

The venues will be confirmed in due course.

Minutes 2nd June 2009

2009-08-22T14:37:00.006+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of Main Meeting, 2nd June 2009, Yak and Yeti Restaurant, 107 Church Road
Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, Chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Ramesh Appadoo (Grand Bay)
Matthew Ball (Electron Repro Ltd)
Hannah Bougen* (Full Spectrum Integration)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Peter George (GO Contaminated Land Solutions)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Charles Kejeh (De-Charles Resources)
Vienna Kelly (The Bigger Picture Gallery)
Don Madgwick (Abbazappa Records)
Kevin Monk (MangoSwiss)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Mike Mulvey (London Business Network)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Stuart Packer (voiceover artist)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Emma Stewart (Women Like Us)
Jane Arte Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Kathryn Bonds (Phoenix Community Centre and Chutzpah – Vintage Jewellery and Modern Silver Jewellery)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Cllr George Filbey* (LB Croydon)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea)
Jason Hadden (guest, Parliamentary Candidate for Croydon North)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Phil Kenny (Zabadoo Collecting)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook’s Books)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)

1.0. Introduction

Ray welcomed all and thanked the Yak and Yeti for agreeing to host the meeting.

1.1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 6th May meeting had been received by all members and were approved as a fair record, with the following amendments:
• Kathryn Bonds’ business should read “Phoenix Community Centre and Chutzpah – Vintage Jewellery and Modern Silver Jewellery);
• Under item 4, in “failings of area” add “lack of suitable function and conference facilities available, in close proximity to the Triangle.”

1.2. Management Committee

Sue Nagle proposed that Hannah Bougen should be elected to the Management Committee in view of her international experience with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and her background work for local businesses in Crystal Palace. Sarah Dacre seconded this proposal. A show of hands showed unanimous support for Hannah’s election. Ray warmly welcomed Hannah and looked forward greatly to her input.

1.3. Chamber Logo

Ray said that the Management Committee had received a lot of good feedback on the logo options and had unanimously decided that design 1a should be adopted, which Tim displayed to the Chamber. The Chamber’s logo will therefore be updated. Ray thanked everyone for their input, and all joined him in applauding Tim for his excellent work.

2.0. Five Minutes of Fame

2.1. Jonathan Rowlandson (Carberry Works, Carberry Road)
http://www.jonathanrowlandson.co.uk/

Jonathan said that he had studied metalwork and design at Middlesex. After a year working as a designer, he set up a studio in Clapham in 1995. Initially he made furniture, but over time has increasingly focussed on garden design and sculpture. He has done a lot of commissions for architects and private clients, locally and from further afield, including Vivienne Westwood. One of his pieces is on display in the 5th floor bar of Harvey Nicholls. He circulated sketchbooks and a magazine brochure he had produced showing a selection of his older and more recent projects.

Jonathan’s premises are just off Westow Hill. Sue noted how there was a threat from new residential development to the artisan cottages and workshops which provide premises for the Triangle’s artistic and craft businesses. Ray agreed that the Chamber should look to resist such pressures, for these activities are a special feature of Crystal Palace. All applauded Jonathan for his work.

2.2. Emma Stewart (Women Like Us)
http://www.womenlikeus.org.uk/home.aspx

Emma said that Women Like Us is a social enterprise, funded by government and employers, whose aim is to help women with children balance their careers and families. Beginning as a pilot in North London in 2005, it was formally launched in autumn 2007 by Harriet Harman. There are now 10,000 women registered with the organisation and 45 staff, almost all part-time.

Women Like Us has worked with about 2,000 employers across London, helping them to offer part-time and flexible work and providing them with advice on training and job design. Employers pay a fee to use their recruitment service, which gives them access to women with a full range of skills.

The approach is based on outreach. 160 schools across London are in partnership with Women Like Us. Women are helped, free of charge, to access the support they need, such as career coaching and advice on job applications. This helps mothers back to the labour market and reduces unemployment.

Emma gave evidence earlier in the day to the House of Commons Select Committee on the Equalities Bill. Her aim is to ensure that part-time work is audited within businesses. She is also keen to promote the benefits of part-time work and the closure of the gender pay gap. For currently in London there is a 45% pay gap between full-time men and part-time women.

Women Like Us are very keen on local jobs for local people. It has partnerships with many local schools and about 500 women from Croydon on its books. It can also support women wanting to set up their own businesses and signpost women to other services. All applauded Emma for this very laudable initiative.

2.3. John Greatrex

John displayed the Olympic torch used in the 1948 Games in London, noting that before then the Olympics had included arts as well as sports. On Saturday 6th June, at 12 noon, he will be launching this year’s June Festival at the Crystal Palace Corner on the top site. All congratulated John on his achievements.

3.0. Main Items

3.1. Mike Mulvey (London Business Network)

Ray introduced Mike Mulvey, the Chief Executive of the London Business Network, saying how impressed he is with the commitment of Mike and his colleagues to enabling a world class Olympics 2012 with strong local business involvement.

Mike said that the London Business Network is a private sector organisation owned by London First, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the London Chamber of Commerce, whose role is to lobby government for improvements to help business interests. It is also lobbying the Olympic authorities on behalf of the business community. Modelled on initiatives at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, it has established the Compete For website, which Mike demonstrated.

The Olympic authorities comprise:
• The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), a public sector organisation in charge of construction and infrastructure, which follows public sector procurement rules;
• The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), a private sector organisation in charge of running the Games, merchandise and marketing, which has more flexible procurement procedures.

There are about 50,000 contracts in the supply chain of the Olympics and an increasing number of these are on CompeteFor. Businesses need to register in order to get alerted to opportunities, both those related to the Olympics and more widely, such as for the London Development Agency (LDA) and Transport for London (TfL). Registration takes about 15 minutes and provides access to a “dating agency” for buyers and suppliers.

CompeteFor provides a transparent process, costing only registrants’ time but allowing businesses access to a wide range of potential contracts. A business needs to input basic information – such as its diversity policies – only once, but this can be used, with the firm’s agreement, many times in the future. Buyers see an anonymised long list of potential suppliers of a contract and their headline details. Only at shortlist stage do they see the names of the businesses.

There are plans in the future to expand CompeteFor to cover London Boroughs and other public sector organisations. All types of business activity are covered and local businesses are strongly encouraged to register at: http://www.competefor.com/ or www.London2012.com/business .

Kevin Monk of Mango Swiss noted that Mango Swiss has expanded its local business directory http://www.crystalpalacelocal.co.uk/ . Anyone local can contribute to the site, which includes events, newsletters, a media watch and a forum. Mike said that ultimately he too wants to have a free-to-use business website, where any business can put their details so that they can compete: for he sees this as genuinely increasing the opportunities for businesses.

In conclusion, Mike, who lives in LB Croydon, said that he is very keen for local businesses to take part in CompeteFor and to win contracts. He would be very happy to follow up with further advice.

Ray thanked him for his very helpful presentation and hoped he would remain in close touch with the Chamber over the coming months and especially as Mike’s thinking and work could be very relevant to the post-Olympic era as well.

4.0. Any Other Business

Vienna Kelly said that The Bigger Picture Gallery is opening next to the Alma at No.93 Church Road. All are invited to the opening drinks from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday 6th June, when there will be the opportunity to meet local artists. For further details of this exciting new venture, please see: info@biggerpicturegallery.co.uk

5.0. Date of Next Main Meeting

Tuesday 14th July, 6.30 for 6.45 p.m.: Patrick’s Wine bar, Westow Hill.

Minutes 6th May 2009

2009-08-22T14:33:00.002+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of Main Meeting, 6th May 2009, Salvation Army Hall, Westow Street
Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Anup Aryal (Gurkha Cottage)
Banny Baksh (Drumleague Ltd)
Dominique Baksh (Drumleague Ltd)
Sharon Baldwin (Croydon Enterprise)
Simon Bashford (LB Croydon)
Taylor Battery (Training Points)
Matilda (Training Points)
Rose Biavatti (Braziliana)
Hannah Bougen (Full Spectrum)
Alistair Cameron (guest)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Lindsay Chapman (guest, Metropolitan Police)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Francesca Farnesi (Frankie & Lola)
Cllr John Getgood (LB Bromley)
Katrina Gillard (guest, Gem and LocalSkillSwap)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Jerry Green (Haynes Lane Market)
Jason Hadden (guest, Parliamentary Candidate, Croydon North)
Claire Hall (guest, Metropolitan Police)
Bernie Jinks (Royal Albert Public House)
Charles Kejeh (De-Charles Resources)
Hester Lilley (Soltura Ltd)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Don Madgwick (Abbazappa Records)
Jenine Main (Salvation Army)
Barbara McLeish (Women In Business Network)
John Moye (Salvation Army)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Darryll Norwood (Crystal Palace Jewellers)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Gulen Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Ms Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Gail Richard (Funky Junk)
Riss v Rismanchi (Next Address)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook’s Books)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Catherine Shaw (Allbone & Trimit)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair & Beauty)
Jane Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)
Dilly Williamson (Funky Junk)
* Management Committee

Apologies

Kathryn Bonds (Phoenix Community Centre and Chutzpah – Mint Jewellery and Silver)
Cllr Luke Clancy (LB Croydon)
Cllr George Filbey* (LB Croydon)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Zishan Zaman (Queen’s Hotel)

1.0. Introduction

Ray welcomed all and gave many thanks to the Salvation Army for providing a superb venue.
He noted that, as part of its 175th anniversary, the journal of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is asking its readers to name their favourite building of the last 175 years. In first place is… …the Crystal Palace. This goes to show what we’re sitting on, what we have the privilege of being part of. Ray said that his personal goal is to build a New Crystal Palace, and earlier today he had had a very helpful meeting in Mayfair to discuss his plans with a number of key people.

The minutes of the 7th April meeting had been received by all members and were approved as a fair record.

2.0. Five Minutes of Fame

2.1. George Pirintzi (Ethos Business Network)
http://www.ethosbusinessnetwork.com/CrystalPalace.html
George said that he has lived in Crystal Palace for six years. As a business coach by trade, he has set up the Ethos Business Support Network for local businesses. Its aims are a) to get people together, allowing entrepreneurs to meet and exchange contacts and ideas; b) to discuss particular problems affecting businesses and how to remove barriers to success.

George has been in business for 21 years. After a huge struggle in the first 18 months he has come through, learning from mistakes, and is very keen to share his experiences with others. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the “Black Sheep” bar, Westow Hill. The next one is at 6.15 p.m. on Tuesday 15th June. Anyone interested in finding out more is encouraged to get in touch.
george@EthosBusinessNetwork.com

2.2. Barbara McLeish (Women in Business Network)
http://www.wibn.co.uk/groupsnew/london?1=1&BlockID=2958846
Barbara said that there are four local groups – Dulwich, Lewisham, Beckenham and Crystal Palace. Their aim is to support any woman in business, through word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals. For instance, this can lead to the match-making of businesses, generating new collaborations and partnerships.

Barbara has been self-employed for 15 years, and also runs a part-time lettings agency. She supports the Crystal Palace area as much as possible, and the Chamber of Commerce has become involved through Sarah Dacre.

Meetings are held at lunchtime on the third Tuesday of each month, with the next being on the 19th May. People can visit twice before signing up for the membership group. All women in business are encouraged to attend.
Barbara.mcleish@wibn.co.uk

Ray thanked George and Barbara. He said that his ambition is for Crystal Palace to get on to the world stage, for people to want to come and visit the area from everywhere, for it to be one of the most desirable locations in London.

2.3. Matilda and Taylor Battery (Training Points, 14 Church Road)
http://www.trainingpoints.co.uk/
Sue introduced Matilda and Taylor with a personal recommendation – for their successful treatment of a shoulder injury.

Matilda said that Training Points offer personal training and sports massage. They had previously been in Sydenham, but Crystal Palace is much more vibrant an interesting. Amongst the many activities and services offered are martial arts, kick boxing, nutritional advice, massage therapy and facials. They have a focus on individuals and can develop tailor-made personalised programmes. Training can take place at the studio or in Crystal Palace Park.

Taylor gave an impressive demonstration of how press-ups can be varied for various levels of fitness, from beginners to professionals. He encouraged all to come to the studio for a free initial training session or sports massage.

3.0. Reports

3.1. Crystal Palace June Festival

John Greatrex said that with the help of George Filbey he has produced some posters, which we would be very grateful if local businesses could post in their windows. He will issue further posters as we get closer to 10th June, the 155th anniversary of the opening of the Crystal Palace in South London. Ray said that he would like to see the Crystal Palace Festival becoming a renowned annual event.

3.2. New Corporate Image for the Chamber of Commerce

Ray thanked Tim Sharville (MangoSwiss) for his initial designs which are on display at the meeting and invited members to comment on them. The Management Committee will then make a final decision.

4.0. Main Item: Crystal Palace – Looking to the Future

Sue Nagle said that thanks to Ray and all members, we are becoming one of the strongest Chambers of Commerce in South London. We are fighting to make Crystal Palace great again. But we need to identify how we want Crystal Palace to be perceived, and its image. What do people think of when they hear the name Crystal Palace? Do we build on our past heritage and successes or start anew?

Crystal Palace is a huge brand name. We should capitalise on it, but how? Should we build on the legacy of Joseph Paxton, on the Conservation Area? Or market ourselves as an eating destination, with family-based shops and restaurants? And if the New Crystal Palace is built we would become a major tourist destination.

The photo boards on display show the huge variety in the area. We have choices to make – for instance, whether to preserve the light industry in the lanes of the Triangle or accept residential, whether our shop design should celebrate the old or go for something more modern? We should celebrate our heritage – for instance the surviving part of the original weather-boarded “White Hart” - and the wonderful photographs on display at “Pizza at the Palace” in Westow Hill.

Sue has lived in the Palace for most of her life. She saw the 20-year blight caused to the Triangle by the councils buying property in advance of planned road widening. Then the impact of the One-Way System. There have been years of struggling, but she wants the Triangle to be brilliant, to be an interesting and vibrant town centre. For together we can achieve this, people are really fighting to gain ground.

Because of all these problems, we are left with businesses with a strong determination or tied into leases. There is huge enthusiasm and passion, and Councillors are tapping into this. We need to know what we say to local politicians. Today is the start of the process of finding out what we want and how to achieve this.

Sue introduced an initial discussion about various themes relating to Crystal Palace. The following section simply records the views expressed: many points attracted consensus, but some represent individual feelings rather than the majority opinion.

Failings of Area

• One-Way System;
• Only one way to go;
• Lack of traffic islands;
• Parking restriction timing (one hour not enough);
• Free parking after 7 o’clock too late;
• Some customers need longer period of parking so suggest different restrictions i.e. one-hour, 90 minute and two-hour bays;
• Need consistency between councils – currently they allow parking at different times;
• Misuse of loading bays;
• Need for signs saying where Sainsburys parking is. And that it is free for two hours and not just for Sainsburys customers;
• Commuter parking – better to park in another borough sometimes;
• One way system is dangerous for pedestrians;
• The phasing of the lights makes it very dangerous. For instance, people jump the red light when turning from Westow Street into Westow Hill;
• Traffic goes too fast, especially in Church Road. For instance:
o traffic wishing to continue along Church Road at the lights with Westow Street, speeds up to get through the green light which means they are travelling too fast when they pass the entrance to Westow Park. One child already seriously injured here;
o traffic comes around the corner of Westow Hill and Church Road very fast and is immediately confronted with vehicles parked in the loading bay forcing them at speed to pull over into the inside lane. There has already been a serious accident because of this;
• Police awareness of problem - have to have two fatalities before speed cameras can be installed;
• Waiting time for crossing road inconsistent - need info, which is available from local authorities;
• Smiley face speed signs we can have!;
• Need for yellow boxes at corners of triangle especially outside White Hart;
• Buses overtake each other in Church Road by mounting the pavement;
• Traffic gets clogged up so that cars can’t go even when the light is green as cars are blocking their way;
• Need traffic calming;
• Two way section for Sainsburys customers is ridiculous and very dangerous;
• CCTV mis-sold. Used mainly to enforce parking. We were told it would be for our security and personal safety;
• Lack of information boards;
• Pubs open too late;
• Too many empty shops and commercial properties;
• No good sandwich shops.

Ideas

• More public toilets;
• Open up the closed toilets outside Sainsbury’s;
• Re-open underground toilets on The Parade;
• More cash point machines;
• Get regular markets under cover;
• Get a marketing director;
• Make bus lane on the Parade a diagonal parking car park out of rush hours;
• Need more facilities for young people;
• Make the park safe for teenagers;
• More flowers;
• More events;
• Need an attraction;
• Build a new Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace in One Word

• Diverse;
• Up & Coming;
• Chic;
• Vibrant;
• Leafy Green;
• Potential;
• Creative;
• Fabulous;
• Funky;
• Left Field;
• Violent;
• Undiscovered;
• Confused;
• Brand;
• Interesting;
• Passionate;
• Ambitious;
• Realisation;
• Fascinating;
• Community;
• Clean Air;
• Slumbering;
• Good Vision;
• Fresh Air;
• Failing;
• Village;
• Busy;
• Bohemian;
• Disempowered;
• Exciting;
• Positive Buzz;
• Cosmopolitan;
• Family orientated;
• Architecture;
• Deterioration;
• Fitness;
• Melting Pot;
• Historic;
• Awakening;
• Revelation.

Good Things

• The Park;
• East London Line extension due autumn 2010;
• Economic climate stopping developers using up every available piece of open space and light industrial sites to build flats;
• Eclectic mix of shops & businesses;
• Re-opening of sports centre;
• Good choice of restaurants;
• Race for life large event in park;
• Fantastic views;
• Elevated position;
• Two good local magazines;
• Virtual Norwood internet site;
• Our heritage (the Crystal Palace);
• Capel Manor Farm;
• Crystal Palace is like Camden / Greenwich;
• Live music bands etc.;
• Passion for the area (by both individuals and groups e.g. Chamber of Commerce;
• Vibrancy;
• Only place to have its own Safe Neighbourhood Team as well as those from the three adjoining boroughs;
• Markets;
• Brand name “Crystal Palace”;
• The transmitters;
• We can see into London & they can see us;
• Fresh air suburb;
• Festivals;
• Antenna music studios;
• Stained glass shop;
• Sports injury clinic at the NSC;
• Strong community feel;
• Prospect of a New Crystal Palace.

What Image Do We Want People to Leave With of Us

• Package what we have & enhance it - we have it all in a small accessible area;
• Artisans - metal workers, stained glass;
• Mix of commerce & retail;
• Accessibility;
• Artists;
• The new Greenwich;
• Inside & outside attractions;
• Dinosaurs;
• Media watch – where is Crystal Palace?
• Distinction from other areas e.g. Dulwich;
• Playgrounds;
• Extreme sport;
• More facilities for young people;
• The Concert Bowl;
• Botanical gardens.

Olympics 2012

• Easy access;
• Not involved;
• Venue?;
• Teams’ training pool;
• Cultural Olympiad are going to visit a future Chamber meeting and gear in to host;
• Training facilities for 19 different sports;
• Training will begin to take place months in advance;
• Queens Hotel refurbishing 200 rooms/beds;
• The only diving facilities in immediate area.

Ray thanked Sue and all members for a very worthwhile discussion.

5.0. Date of Next Main Meeting

Tuesday 2nd June, 6.30 for 6.45 p.m.: venue to be confirmed.

Minutes 7th April 2009

2009-08-22T14:32:00.002+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 7th April 2009, Alistair’s Café, Westow Street
Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Phil Alexis (Myjumbie.com)
Ramesh Appadoo (Grand Bay)
Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum)
Vivienne Bartholomew (Vien)
Matthew Ball (Electron Repro Ltd)
Kathryn Bonds (Phoenix Community Centre and Chutzpah – Mint Jewellery and Silver)
Hannah Bougen (Full Spectrum)
Marcus Camarotte (Braziliana)
Marianna Camarotte (Braziliana)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Katrina Gillard (guest, LocalSkillSwap)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Jerry Green (Haynes Lane Market)
Jason Hadden (guest, Parliamentary Candidate, Croydon North)
Jenny Hall (guest)
Mervyn Hing (Silk Route)
Philip Hinton (Hair by Jay Michaels)
Phil Kenny (Zabadoo Collectables)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Karen Moran (guest, Crystal Palace Foundation)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Gulen Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Joan Vernette (Friends Hair & Beauty)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Cllr George Filbey* (LB Croydon)
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook’s Books)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Jane Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)

1.0. Introduction

Ray welcomed all to Alistairs and thanked Ahmet and Gulen for making their charming café available and for providing delicious refreshments.

Ray introduced two of his guests: Katrina Gillard, from LocalSkillSwap and Karen Moran from the Crystal Palace Foundation.

The minutes of the 10th March meeting were approved as a fair record. In response to a point raised, Andrew clarified that the reference to “it is a positive step forward that Bromley planning colleagues approved in December 2008 the LDA’s application to build 180 homes in the park” represents the view of Stephen Carr rather than that of the Chamber.

2.0. Reports

2.1. Stephen Carr (Leader of Bromley Council)

Ray said that Stephen had been very impressed by his visit to the Chamber’s previous meeting, which he described as “extremely good”. It was a great atmosphere, with around 60 people present, and Stephen appreciated the Chamber’s careful listening and mature reception. Stephen also welcomed the Chamber’s support for the New Crystal Palace.

Ray said that he is taking forward discussions with Bromley about the potential for a pedestrian crossing in Church Road, knowing that Cllr George Filbey is progressing the proposal with Croydon. Stephen is being very supportive, briefing his highways people. Stephen is also keen for Bromley to work jointly with Croydon on this and other issues affecting the two boroughs.

2.2. Decision of the London Development Agency (LDA)

Ray said that for the past five years the LDA had had an option on controlling the future use of the top site of Crystal Palace Park, which had been excluded from their masterplan. On 31st March 2009 they allowed this option to expire. As a result, LB Bromley is the sole owner of the site. This is very important for the New Crystal Palace: Ray feels like Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen, finally emerging from the swamp. Ray said that he has a very good relationship with Bromley and that the support of the Chamber and its members for the New Crystal Palace means a huge amount.

2.3. Business Partnership and Town Centre Manager

Ray noted that the Crystal Palace Business Partnership has now closed down, that its Church Road office is shut and that the post of Town Centre Manager is vacant. He commended the hard work by Gavin Rookledge in leading the Partnership and Croydon Enterprise in building up its network of 180 businesses.

Ray said that Sharon Baldwin from Croydon Enterprise envisages the revitalised Chamber of Commerce as the main voice of business in the area. Sharon is looking to make available the database of the business partnership, and she will encourage its members to become members of the Chamber. Also, she is hoping to allow the Chamber to use the Croydon Enterprise premises in Church Road for its monthly management committee meetings and as a postal address.

Ray said that it is also envisaged that the Chamber will input into the brief for the new Town Centre Manager, and be invited to put forward names of potential candidates. This means that the Chamber is developing a good relationship with Croydon as well as Bromley. Over time, Ray’s aim is to foster similar close links with Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, so that the five boroughs are brought together to give the best possible support to the business community in Crystal Palace.

2.4. Move Up a Gear: Forthcoming Chamber meetings

Wednesday 6th May: “Dare to Dream” Actual Proposals

Ray said that members will be asked to bring forward ideas about how we would improve the local area, for instance:

• The Town Centre Manager
• One-Way System
• Parking
• Pedestrian Crossings
• Markets
• Festivals
• Welcoming visitors
• Promoting our different languages and cultures
• Preserving and enhancing the natural and built environment
• Celebrating our history
• Links with other business networks
• Cross-borough networks
• Promoting the identity of Crystal Palace

Tuesday 2nd June: Cultural and Business Olympiad

Ray said that the focus will be on the cultural and business Olympiad of 2012. The aim of this initiative is to get London to come alive with festivals and other events, and Ray hoped to get someone from the Olympic Delivery Authority along to the meeting to explain more about it. Ray will also invite business network specialists: our goal is to be well connected with all possible sources of advice and support.

Tuesday7th July: Croydon Night

Ray is hoping that Steve O’Connell (GLA member for Croydon & Sutton) and Councillors George Filbey and Pat Ryan will be able to attend this meeting. It will provide an opportunity to hear the latest news on the Town Centre Manager and to elaborate on our emerging ideas about the way forward.

2.5. A Total Solution for Crystal Palace

Ray said that our goal should be a total solution for Crystal Palace – enhancing its business and residential community - and he encouraged all members to provide ideas, whether by email or at meetings, so that we can all make this happen. Part of our longer-term goal will be to invite Boris to visit Crystal Palace and learn about the area – the process is beginning.

3.0. Main Item: Five Minutes of Fame

Ray invited a range of local business people to make short presentations:

3.1. Silke Rudolph (The Massage Practice)
http://www.themassagepractice.co.uk/
Silke said that she established her practice 12 months ago, after 2½ years of training for the professional qualifications. She offers a wide range of treatments: holistic and Swedish massage; deep-tissue therapeutic massage, pregnancy massage and seated on-site massage, and by the summer she should also be qualified for sports massage. Besides appointments at her treatment room in Mowbray Road, she provides home and office visits, and can also offer teaching.

Silke has lived in Crystal Palace for 4 ½ years and really loves it. She uses local businesses as far as possible, for instance for her logo and website. She has also been working with people with disabilities in association with The British Home, Crown Lane.

She can be very flexible in taking appointments, offers free consultation and guarantees that the massage itself will last for the full duration of the appointment.

3.2. Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum Integration)
http://www.fullspectrum.co.uk/
Matt runs a business from his home in Hamlet Road. It designs smart homes, based on audio-visual systems, which integrate lighting, IT and security features. By this means, a person is able to access remotely the electrics and heating in their home. The home can learn the behaviour of its occupants, allowing this to be emulated in “vacation mode”. Another advantage is that the systems eliminate wall clutter: all devices can be accessed from a single small touch panel in each room. A current focus is on starting to integrate environmental technologies into the systems, particularly those relating to thermal efficiency.

Matt has two full-time employees and also makes use of freelance engineers. Hannah Bourgen, his partner, has recently begun to work with him too. Most of the business comes via the internet or personal referral.

The business offers a full spectrum of equipment. For instance, he has recently installed a hi-fi system for a couple of Chamber members for £600, and can offer home systems for as little as £2,000. But beyond that the stratosphere is the limit: Matt has worked for people such as Mick Jagger, Madonna and Richard Wilson, and is currently doing an installation for a Russian oligarch in John Lennon’s former house in St George’s Hill.

3.3. Marianna Camarotte (Braziliana)

Marianna set up her business a few months ago with her husband and three other Brazilian guys. The aim is to bring Brazilian products to the UK and in particular the 300,000 Brazilians who live in London. They also look to introduce Brazilian culture and a nice warm welcoming place to the local community, bringing “a little bit on sunshine to Crystal Palace”. For instance, during the recent Easter festival they offered Brazilian dance classes.

They try and work very closely with the local community with local sourcing where possible. Everyone can win if we work together. Everyone is welcome.

Marianna lives locally. Her research had found that most of the Portuguese-speaking community in London lives south of the river, especially in areas such as Lambeth, Streatham, Norwood, Beckenham and Bromley. So Crystal Palace makes an ideal central location for the business.

Parking has been an issue: customers have been fined for using the loading bays. But apart from that, all is positive - it has been good to feel part of the local community in the Triangle.

3.4. Matthew Ball (Electron Repro)

Electron Repro is based in Cooper’s Yard, off Westow Hill behind Iceland. Matt’s business partner, John, has been established there for 25 years; Matt joined about 8 years ago, and has been in the printing trade for 17 years.

The firm has its roots in a traditional business making aluminium plates for printing machines. More recently it has been diversifying into digital print of all kinds. Besides business cards and leaflets, they can do a particularly wide range of techniques, sizes and formats, including litho printing, signage for shops, etching and Perspex cutting.

Recently they have been raising their profile and they are very keen to work closely with local companies.

3.5. Mervyn Hing (Silk Route)
http://www.silkroutedrycleaners.co.uk/home.htm
Ray introduced Mervyn by congratulating him on shaping the foundation of the Chamber during the time when he was the chairman. Mervyn thanked Ray and members of the Chamber for their warm hearts.

Mervyn said that he owns Silk Route at the corner of Westow Hill and Crystal Palace Parade. Besides dry cleaning, it can also offer access to services such as bespoke tailors, shirt-makers and dress-making. But he would focus his talk on the secrets of dry cleaning.

Mervyn said that the essential point about dry cleaning is that it is wet, not dry. Clothes are treated with petroleum derivatives, special products being used to remove the four generic types of stain (protein, oil-based, tannin and rust). Particular care is needed when dealing with stains from an amalgam of types, such as white coffee. Mervyn outlined a wide range of chemicals used to treat stains past and present, including hydrofluoric acid. In recent years, there has been something of a worldwide tussle between dry cleaning businesses and health and safety regulators. The latter have an irritating habit of banning products which actually work.

Silk Route’s customers come from all over London, such as Woolwich, Hampstead and South Kensington. But parking and loading is a terrible problem: Mervyn is sometimes to be seen buried beneath heaps of clothes as he makes his way to and fro between his shop and the loading bay in Jasper Road. The three improvements he would like to see in the area, besides an efficient traffic system, are “Courage, Integrity and Ability”.

3.6. Tim Sharville (MangoSwiss)
http://www.mangoswiss.com/
Tim and his nephew, Kevin Monk, have been developing their local web and design business. For instance, they have been doing work for the NHS and RNIB, such as on-line applications for the partially-sighted.

Tim and Kevin have continued to build up the Crystal Palace local business directory http://www.crystalpalacelocal.co.uk/, which gives small businesses and other organisations a web presence. This free service is updated to Google each day and helps people make closer professional and social links within the business and wider community. They are about to launch Stage 2 which will also cover news and events.

Croydon Enterprise is considering whether to register the business directory as a social enterprise, which would strengthen its financial underpinning. They are also keen for the site to be launched more widely, including Dulwich and South Norwood.

All applauded all the presenters for their contributions to the community, wishing them every success in the future.

3.7. Jason Hadden (Parliamentary Candidate for Croydon North, Conservative Party)

The Chamber is apolitical, but Ray noted that to get things changed, we need to engage with local politicians from all the main parties.

Jason said how he pleased he is to be with us. He is full of praise for the great sense of community in the local area. He has recently launched the Save Our Shops (SOS) campaign – we need to support our local shops, for small businesses are the heartbeat of what we are doing. We don’t want High Streets boarded up or turned into residential developments.

Also, Jason wants to listen to how he could help. He has sent out surveys to 40,000 residents of North Croydon. The responses showed that, besides crime and litter, parking – especially on High Streets – is a particular problem. He realises things are very tough for lots of people. We need to do something to help people through the process, such as freezing business rates for 2009/10.

He would welcome comments on how he could help to his email address: Jason@jasonhadden.co.uk.

Jason said he thinks it is fantastic what the Chamber of Commerce is doing. It is very refreshing that there is lots of enthusiasm to get the place buzzing. He would like to open up empty shops to people to have the opportunity to display arts and crafts - and the one-way system and parking restrictions seem like lunacy – with even the limited parking available inadequately signed.

In relation to Crystal Palace Park, he is “100% against” housing – it sets a dangerous precedent. On the top site and the New Crystal Palace he has an open mind.

Ray thanked Jason for attending the meeting and welcomed his interest in the local area.

4.0. Any Other Business

Antiques and Collectors Fair
http://www.phoenixcrystalpalace.org/index.html
Kathryn Bonds said that the regular antique and collectors fairs at the Phoenix Centre, Westow Street, are continuing. The next would be on 19th April, followed by a May Fair Special on 4th May. Over 20 stalls are filled already for the April fair and about a dozen are still available at £15 per table. Following a break for the summer, the fairs would recommence in September.

UNIT meeting 15th April

John Greatrex issued an open invitation to the next meeting of the Upper Norwood Improvement Trust (UNIT) which will be held in the Queen’s Hotel on 15th April at 6.30 p.m.; not only an interesting meeting, but the best view in Crystal Palace.

Rent increases

Philip Hinton raised the issue of rent increases and whether businesses could take any direct action. Frank Lissimore pointed out that upward-only rent reviews did not necessarily mean rents had to rise; landlords could be persuaded to keep them unchanged if businesses could provide supporting evidence such as the rents paid by leaseholders of similar premises. Tim Sharville said he would consider whether the Crystal Palace local business directory could be the basis for a forum to share such information. It was agreed that Philip, Frank and Tim would discuss further what advice could be provided to help local businesses.

5.0. Date of Next Main Meeting

Wednesday 6th May, 6.30 for 6.45 p.m.: venue to be confirmed.

Minutes 10th March 2009

2009-08-22T14:31:00.001+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 10 March 2009, Los Toreros, Westow Street
Foreword by Ray Hall, Chair of the Chamber

Andrew Parfitt has prepared an excellent set of minutes for our last Main Meeting, which was on Tuesday, March 10th, with Los Toreros as a terrific venue.

Stephen Carr, Leader of Bromley Council, spoke very well. We have a good friend in Stephen - and he knows he has a good friend in our Chamber. Together our goal is to achieve very tangible benefits for the community we all represent.

The minutes set out what was said and discussed. One thing I would have liked to have emphasized at the end is how key Stephen has been to progressing the New Crystal Palace project towards the prospect of it actually coming into being.

June 2007

Very soon after introducing the idea to Stephen, he was so convinced of its importance for South London, that he arranged a meeting of some 30 senior Councillors and officers from his own borough of Bromley and also from the borough of Croydon. It was held in June 2007 in the Council Chamber in Bromley's Civic Centre.

Sue Nagle spoke and told of the support locally for the New crystal Palace and I, with two colleagues set out the vision and business case for the proposal. The result was not only the 'enthusiastic personal support' of Stephen and of Mike Fisher, the Leader of LB Croydon, but also Stephen stating his support very clearly to the press and the LDA.

For me that was a turning point - a very significant and crucial one indeed.

'Gutsy' courage

Stephen did that knowing of the then LDA's position and also knowing of the backcloth of opposition to any development on the top site. The size of that opposition is now known to be small - but Stephen did not know that then.

As part of the minutes, therefore, I would like to openly applaud Stephen for his insight, his leadership and his 'gutsy' courage. South London is a better place because of him.

I look forward to our Chamber working with Stephen and his colleagues in making Crystal Palace a place the whole of our capital and indeed our nation can feel proud of. That goal is being fulfilled - and I would thank every member of our Chamber for the role each is playing. We are getting there.

Blessings and appreciations as always

Ray Hall

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 10 March 2009, Los Toreros, Westow Street

Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Heatyh Alkis (H.D. Plumbing)
David Alston (journalist)
Ramesh Appadoo (Grand Bay)
Matt Atkinson (Full Spectrum)
Paul Bartholomew (Le Cargo)
Vivienne Bartholomew (Vien)
Sharon Baldwin (Croydon Enterprise)
Banny Baksh (Drumleage PMC)
Sebastian Baksh (guest)
Matthew Ball (Electron Repro Ltd)
Simon Bashford (LB Croydon)
Taylor Battery (Training Points)
Hannah Bourgen (Full Spectrum)
Andrew Brenson (guest)
Denis Brown (D’Solos)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Cllr Stephen Carr (Leader of LB Bromley)
Mario Charalambous (Mario & Bambos Barbers, Westow Street)
Cllr Luke Clancy (LB Croydon)
Margaret Condon (guest)
Cheryl Curr (Town Centre Manager, Orpington, LB Bromley)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Abbi Greene (Mind in Croydon)
Jerry Green (Haynes Lane Market)
Jenny Hall (guest)
Stefan Inglis (Antenna Studios)
Nadia Jones (Croydon Enterprise)
Stephen Kaye (Thornton Springer)
Charles L Kejeh (De-Charles Resources Ltd)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Don Madgwick (Abbazappa Records)
Marianna (Braziliana)
Bradley Millington (Lambeth and Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Girish Mohile (guest)
Sue Nagle* (Bambinos)
Stuart Packer (Voiceover)
D Patel (Sefgrove Chemist)
Kirit Patel (Sefgrove Chemist)
Shinali Patel (Sefgrove Chemist)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs Café Restaurant)
Nick Revel (H.D. Plumbing)
Gail Rickard (Funky Junk)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook's Books)
Andy Stem (Bambinos)
Soula (Los Toreros)
Tim Taylor (Glitter and Twisted)
J Vermette (Friends Hair & Beauty)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Cllr George Filbey* (LB Croydon)
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)

1.0. Introduction

Ray welcomed all to Los Toreros, and thanked Soula for providing an excellent venue. He noted how, at the previous meeting, local business people included speakers of over eight languages. This diversity extends to geography: Crystal Palace spans five boroughs and a show of hands amongst those present found that members lived in Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth and Lewisham (although not Southwark).

1.1. Minutes of previous main meeting

The minutes of the 10th February meeting were approved as a fair record. Ray noted how the minutes provide an invaluable record of the history of the people who comprise the business community and the progress we are making.

2.0. Five Minutes of Fame

Ray invited two local business people to make short presentations:

2.1. Shinali Patel is the daughter of the family who run Sefgrove’s, the chemists on Westow Hill, about which she is passionate. Her parents decided to open a shop when they married and the community feel to Crystal Palace encouraged them – in particular the wide range of shops. Now there are lots of closed shops, but there is still a strong community feel.

When her parents started, they bought fixtures and fittings from a local grocery store. They did no particular market research but simply built up the business through hard work, determination and above all providing a good customer service. She looks forward to helping advise the family business over the years to come.

2.2. Stefan Inglis established Antenna Studios in 2002.
http://www.antennastudios.co.uk/mambotest/
It is located off Haynes Lane in an old timber yard that had become derelict and occupied by squatters. With a director, Stefan established a rehearsal studio and they have diversified into recording, with a dance studio and two fully-fledged recording studios. They aim to be honestly priced for people in the community, including spare-time musicians with a passion.

The dance studio is multi-purpose, suitable for different types of dance. There is something for everybody. Recently, they have been working closely with the mental health unit at NHS Oxleas. Each week the unit hires the studio for social events and educational courses. They are moving towards being the Antenna Creative Community Trust, being able to provide space and equipment for everyone.

All applauded the presenters for their contributions to the community, wishing them every success in the future.

3.0. Matters Arising

Ray noted that:
• at the next meeting on Tuesday 7th April, nine local businesses would be invited to present five minutes of fame.
• Andy Stem is coordinating a free organic festival in the Triangle on Saturday 28th March, with market stalls, food and a wide range of music.
• John Greatrex will be organising a Crystal Palace Festival week from the 6th to the 12th June and will be providing further details to a future Chamber meeting.
• Sue has copies of the three books which were presented to James Cleverly at the 10th February meeting, containing the 108 individually-signed petitions from local businesses in favour of the reinstatement of the Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace.
• Ray circulated a photograph of Sue presenting the petitions to James. He said that James was very appreciative of the substance of the case made by the local business community, and the mature way in which it was presented.

Nadia, the district centre manager, said that Croydon Enterprise would be having a road show in the Salvation Army hall from 8.30 to 11 in the morning of Tuesday 17th March.

4.0. Main Item: My Vision for Bromley and Crystal Palace - Stephen Carr (Leader of Bromley Council)

Ray noted how Croydon Enterprise, based at 18 Church Road, are very supportive of the local business community. And in front of their offices is the border with Bromley, the largest of the London Boroughs in area.

Ray welcomed Stephen, whom he had first met about three years ago as part of his engagement with the South East London Chamber of Commerce. He has been very impressed by the way in which Stephen is approachable and listens, and how he cares for all his borough, even the extremities such as Crystal Palace.

Stephen said that he was very pleased to be present. He congratulated Sefgroves and Antenna Studios for their presentations and the community spirit they demonstrate. There are many opportunities for businesses to work more closely with councils and a huge potential from the international brand name of Crystal Palace. Bromley was fortunate in having other unique destinations such as the Biggin Hill Airport heritage centre and Downe, the home of Charles Darwin, for which an application had been made to be a World Heritage Site. Now is the time to re-establish the importance of Crystal Palace.

Vision for Bromley

The size of the borough provides opportunities and challenges. Parts are young and vibrant, others contain the largest proportions of older people in London. Stephen’s mission is to deal with all the issues and all the residents of the Borough. He is absolutely committed to Crystal Palace and the local area. There is a wonderful atmosphere here of which we should be rightly proud. Businesses can stimulate growth and opportunity with the potential to succeed.

Stephen became the leader of the council in 2004. His aim is to Build a Better Bromley, not just bricks and mortar but a clean and green borough, in which people of all ages feel safe in their communities and in which town centres are vibrant and thriving.

This week saw the launch of the Bromley Means Business initiative. As a brochure sets out, this sets out the strategy for the council’s engagement with small and medium businesses. It demonstrates the commitment of the council and its enabling role. Small and medium enterprises are vital – a full range of business activities is needed to sustain the reputation of Bromley as the Best Borough.

There is a very finite pot of money. But through Area Action Plans, thriving town centres can be maintained. The investment in Westmoreland Road, Bromley South, shows the commitment of the council to businesses. And £1 million is being spent to enhance the potential for business in Orpington High Street.

It is crucial that Bromley maintains its clean and green image, building where necessary but conserving and enhancing what is good. Recycling matters hugely – Bromley is keen to work closely with local businesses to reduce the need for landfill.

It is also important that Bromley allows children and young people to achieve their potential – for instance attracting university graduates back to live in the borough. And that older people are supported to be able to live independently and with dignity.

Sustainable finances are vital. Stephen has met Tony McNulty to ask the government to postpone the 5% rise in business rates due in April. The increase in Council Tax has been limited to just over 2% and £2.5 million has been set aside to help deal with the impact of the recession on local services in 2009/10. There are no gimmicks – the aim is to maintain essential services against a background of declining budgets.

Vision for Crystal Palace

All of the above applies to Crystal Palace. But more specific local issues include:

Crystal Palace Park: There has been a chequered history. The Mayor’s option to take over the top site of the park expires at the end of March 2009, and appears unlikely to be exercised. Bromley will meet with the LDA and other interested parties to discuss how to take things forward. The New Crystal Palace concept is hugely exciting. If the Crystal Palace was good enough in the 1850s, it is good enough for us now.

Stephen is open-minded about development in the park. It needs to be sustainable, securing the long-term future of the park. In that light, it is a positive step forward that Bromley planning colleagues approved in December 2008 the LDA’s application to build 180 homes in the park, although in January 2009 this was called in by Hazel Blears (Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government).

Stephen is fervently behind the New Crystal Palace. A viable working New Crystal Palace is the long-term solution to putting South London back on the map. It would be a privilege to once again see the Crystal Palace on top of the hill; from Tower Bridge to Knockholt it would be a huge benefit to us all.

Tramlink: The decision to postpone indefinitely the extension to Crystal Palace is hugely disappointing. It is time that outer London benefits from significant investment, and new infrastructure would be required by the New Crystal Palace. Stephen will be lobbying the Mayor to reconsider his decision, for it is crucial that the local area gets the investment it needs for jobs and opportunities in the future.

National Sports Centre: It is good news that it is due to re-open imminently. Although it is regrettable that it is not a host venue for 2012, its use for training by Olympic teams will help put Crystal Palace on the map. Because of the drain on resources of the Olympics, however, most of the longer-term investment in the sports centre will not come until after 2012.

Triangle: Bromley is to meet with the LDA and other stakeholders to consider creative ways forward to encourage investment into the borough. Working together as a community is absolutely critical. On the 7th April Stephen will be meeting Boris, and he will encourage him to visit Bromley and Crystal Palace.

In conclusion, Stephen can offer support and comfort. Together we can work to create a vibrant and thriving Crystal Palace.

Questions

Stephen answered a number of questions on a range of topics:

Crystal Palace Park: If, as seems likely, the top site remains in the control of Bromley after this month, Bromley will encourage applications for developments such as the New Crystal Palace. For the park requires about £700,000 to £800,000 a year to support, so a viable and sustainable scheme is needed. Stephen is totally bought into the Ray’s plans for the New Crystal Palace and can help make it happen – there is genuine support for something substantial to happen so as to put South London back on the map. It is essential that the local community helps too by working together to lobby for the proposal.

Subject to Hazel Blears’ decision, Boris and Bromley will allow housing to be built in the park. This will be of a combination of types, mostly flats.

Stephen said that there are still plans for the redevelopment of the National Sports Centre, but these would not be carried forward until after 2012. Although it would no longer be a national sports centre, there was still a need for a quality sports centre in South London.

Triangle regeneration: Creative measures are needed to prevent the domino effect of vacant premises and Bromley will be supporting local traders and working with local businesses. Attracting inward investment is vital for the community. Stephen is amendable in principle to the Bromley Means Business initiative also providing advice and support to businesses in neighbouring boroughs within the Crystal Palace community.

Sharon Baldwin noted that Croydon Enterprise is also very keen to work closely with all five boroughs and will help local businesses engage with all available sources of support.

Triangle traffic: Stephen is very conscious that local councillors from all the boroughs need to work together. He will ask Cllr Colin Smith to approach LB Croydon with a view to considering a new pedestrian crossing in Church Road.

Sue noted that the One-Way System had been brought in to service the Multiplex. In return, the community had received nothing. If the One-Way System were needed to serve the New Crystal Palace, then the local community might be more willing to tolerate it.

Cllr Luke Clancy said that Croydon would be very interested to work with Bromley on issues related to traffic and regeneration. He would like to take forward jointly an action plan for Church Road, for which Croydon Enterprise is very supportive.

Next steps: Bromley and Croydon will work very closely with the local community. Stephen will do what he can and he will raise with Boris the issue of South London not getting enough new infrastructure. Through lobbying and support, the aim will be to get more investment in Crystal Palace.

Concluding Remarks

Ray thanked Stephen for his excellent presentation and his willingness to answer a wide range of questions. He said that he greatly appreciated Stephen’s candour and support, and presented Stephen with a bunch of roses for his PA, Maggie Richardson, as a thank you from the Chamber.

Ray said that the aims of the local business community coincide with those of Bromley council. We should participate in designing a solution which can help get Crystal Palace back on to the world map. We should look to deepen our working relationship with Bromley and other local boroughs.

5.0. Date of Next Main Meeting

Tuesday 7th April, 6.30 for 6.45 p.m.: Alistair’s Café, 3 Westow Street.

NB – from April onwards, Chamber meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month.

Minutes 10th February 2009

2009-08-22T14:29:00.002+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 10 February 2009, Patrick’s Bar, Westow Hill

Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Vivienne Bartholomew
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 (Lawranc)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Girish Mohile (guest)
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 Committee

Apologies

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.

Take languages for instance. A show of hands among those present showed that local business people include half a dozen 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.

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 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, http://www.rooksbooks.com/
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 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
http://www.freightvision.co.uk/401.html
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 they 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. 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 to keep other schemes going if they have little prospect of 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 conflicting schemes. It is beyond argument that the park has suffered from 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. 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 scepticism about the desirability or feasibility of this approach. Sue Nagle 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 is doubtful about 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, of 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”, containing 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 here.

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 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
• 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.

6.0. Date of Next Main Meeting

Tuesday 10th March, 6.30 for 6.45 p.m.: location to be confirmed.

Minutes 13th January 2009

2009-08-22T14:27:00.002+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 13 January 2009, Patrick’s Bar, Westow Hill

Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Banny Bachks
Paul Bartholomew
Valerie Bartholomew
Simon Bashford (LB Croydon)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre* (Amphlett Lissimore)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Jenny Hall (guest)
Frank Lissimore* (Amphlett Lissimore)
Don Madgwick
Bradley Millington (Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Rebecca Murray (GHK)
Sue Nagle* (Triangle Traders)
Alan Phibbs (Phibbs Ltd)
Saleh Rahman (First Option Estates)
A Rashit
Harvey Reid
John Rudd
Gavin Rookledge (Rook's Books)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Roger Sorell (proxy for Numidie, Tamnag Thai, Palace News, Rosa’s Café)
Andy Stem (Bambino’s)
Timothy Taylor (Glitter and Twisted)
Jane Arte Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Will Ellner (Joanna’s)
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)
Coconut Trading
Il Ponte

1. Introduction

Ray welcomed all to the excellent venue of Patrick’s downstairs bar and meeting area.

1.1. Members and non-members

Ray thanked Silke for her support to Mark as membership secretary. He encouraged all to join the Chamber for an annual subscription of £25. Application forms were available from Silke.

Ray emphasised that only members would be eligible to vote at meetings.

1.2. Conflict of interest

Ray said that because of the conflict of interest arising from his being the promoter of the New Crystal Palace proposal, Andrew Parfitt would chair this item. In the event of a vote, Ray said that he would absent himself from the room.

1.3. Minutes of previous main meeting

The minutes of the 11th November meeting were approved as a fair record.

1.4. South London Business Awards

Ray encouraged those present to consider entering the South London Business Awards. Submissions in 12 categories are invited by 27th February and the awards ceremony will be held at the Crystal Palace Football Ground, Selhurst Park on 20th May.

1.5. Tramlink

Ray said that James Cleverly will be covering Tramlink in his presentation at the 10th February Chamber meeting. He noted that Valerie Shawcross (GLA Member for Lambeth and Southwark) thought that the Tramlink could be brought back into play.

1.6. Election of Vice-Chairs

Ray invited nominations for the two posts of Vice-Chair, who would also replace Will Ellner and Christopher Stewart on the Management Committee. Frank Lissimore and Sue Nagle were proposed and, following a vote, both were elected by a comfortable margin.

2. Main Item: A New Crystal Palace in a renewed Crystal Palace Park - Ray Hall
Chaired by Andrew Parfitt; Minutes taken by Sarah Dacre.

Ray started the presentation by telling us how he has had a vision for building a New Crystal for 12 years now and his vision has developed over this period. Ray is extremely pleased that the Chamber is now up and running and that he is an integral part of the Chamber.

Ray made his position extremely clear in that his business New Crystal Palace Ltd is independent of the Chamber and his aim is to help put Crystal Palace and the Triangle firmly on the Map. Ray stated it was therefore imperative that the Chamber has the freedom to agree/disagree/oppose the bid on its own individual merit.

Over the past 12 years there have been four exhibitions and support for his proposal has been very high. Ray thanked Don, Sue, Andy and his wife Jenny for their unwavering support and shared passion for Crystal Palace and Mark Pender of GVA Grimley for helping his vision in so many ways along with John Greatrex.

The current situation regarding the site is that the London Development Agency has planning approval for the whole park including the top site and been granted an option which runs out at the end of March this year at which point their scheme may well be able to be implemented. The LDA scheme does not include a New Crystal Palace. If the LDA scheme is followed through in its entirety, the New Crystal palace would not come into being. Ray may soon know what is possible.

Ray has a developer who is seriously interested in carrying out the project and who is committed to investing in £400m in another project in South London. If Ray is successful in securing apposition with LB Bromley, he will invite the developer to meet with the Chamber. Ray’s goal the foundation will be laid by Prince Charles, on the 30th November 2011 (when it will be the 75th Anniversary of the burning down of the original Crystal Palace) and that it will rise during the Olympic year. In June 2014 the New Crystal Palace may then have a Royal opening.

The New Crystal Palace is based on the module and detail of the design of the 1851 and 1854 predecessors, but is also itself. It will therefore be a 3rd generation and hence New Crystal Palace. Like its forebears it will host facilities for exhibitions, conferences, social events including performing arts & a hotel, along with state-of-the-art sports facilities. It will be a showcase for business and culture focussed on South London.

The goal is that the New Crystal Palace will generate its own electricity using sustainable technologies with the potential of exporting energy as well.

The East London Line will place Crystal Place on London’s tube map and is due to open in 2010. New Crystal Palace Ltd would treat with a proposed New Crystal Palace Charitable Trust that may own the site: it’s purpose would be to channel benefit back into the park as an amenity for the local and broader community. The cost of the project is estimated at £250m. It would require no public funds.

Ray then showed us his proposals via a PowerPoint presentation and talked through the visual presentation. Some of the pointed explained are as follows:

• There would be a model train running within the park and this would enable access to the entire park and make all areas far more accessible.
• The retaining walls of the Italian Terrace would be restored and re-in forced. Beneath its surface would be an underground and hence hidden parking facility for up to 1000 cars and a delivery area for the New Crystal Palace. The car park could serve the whole park enabling current ground car parks to be removed. The top of the Italian Terrace would be grassed
• Vehicles would access from Anerley Hill and egress into the double roundabout at the junction of Crystal Palace Parade and Westwood Hill.
• There would be a large public gathering public area & promenade in front of the Italian terrace with the potential for an amphitheatre as well.
• There could be two athletic tracks along with tennis courts on the Italian Terrace with grassed steps set in the hillside that could be used for spectator viewing.
• The Victorian subway under Crystal Palace Parade could be reused and link the New Crystal Palace to the Crystal Palace Triangle.
• There could be an indoor Olympic size swimming pool and high diving pool as well the potential for an ice-skating rink outside.
• Shallow water canals could demark where the original 1854 building was & either side of the New Crystal Palace will be promenades with trees to offer shade. Crystal Palace Parade could come alive and be a substantial destination once again.
• The New Crystal Palace will replicate the generic shape of its forebears but would have a central barrel along its full length and a barrel vaulted transept across its width on the central axis of the Park. Escalators would rise to the top of the new palace to a Botanical Gardens and a living butterfly museum. There could be a Children’s World and a themed destination called The Lost World referencing the dinosaurs in the Park.
• The potential for a ski slope inside/outside would be explored.

There would be four levels to the Palace:

• An upper level would be a four-star hotel, with 256 bedrooms, offering substantial employment and skill based opportunities for local (especially young) people.
• Overall well in excess of 1,000 could be generated;
• There would be a level dedicated to conference facilities & to host exhibitions;
• Four courts are planned, following the precedent of the former Crystal Palaces, with substantial retail as well as restaurants and leisure activities;
• And finally the top level would offer views over South London and an art gallery provision.
• This facility would complement a sculpture Garden outside the New Crystal Palace and a new Market Square.
• Ray’s master plan for the Park enabled an additional 10% of green space to be added.

The photovoltaic glass enveloping the building – and other sustainable technologies - could generate electricity for the Palace. BP Solar calculated that enough electricity could be generated to serve the equivalent of up to 10,000 homes. The rainwater gathered by the New Crystal Palace could be re-cycled and used within the building and the Park. It could also be used as part of a cooling system and serve a water wall on the Park side of the building - which can be in turn used to project images onto.

This concluded Ray’s presentation and Andrew as acting chair thanked Ray & opened the floor up to questions for Ray:

“How could this proposal benefit the Triangle & local businesses?”

Ray’s response was that it would increase footfall into the Crystal Palace area enabling the district centre to grow as customer spend would be brought into and retained. The New Crystal Palace would put South London and the Crystal Palace area firmly on London and the UK/world stage. The opportunity for local businesses would be enormous – and especially if the total mix of retail, restaurant, leisure and other facility was conceived as complementary parts of one enlarged destination, capitalizing on the shared Crystal Palace brand. When people come to Crystal Palace the question is where is it? That will be a question no longer asked!

The New Crystal Palace could enable the regeneration of the inner parts of five boroughs in South London and greatly enhance the prosperity of other district centres enhancing areas such as Penge & Anerley. At the moment so much spend is going out of the area - this can be radically changed if we get the mix of uses right. The diversity of the area & its shops & restaurants and the diversity of our visitors can be capitalised on.

Aren’t the sports stadium & facilities listed & therefore protected?

Ray confirmed that yes the sports facilities are listed, and hence there is the prospect that they will remain at least until after the 2012 Olympic Games, when a fresh discussion may be possible concerning the role of what is currently our National Sports Centre. There have been initial discussions with English Heritage on exploring a change. If the sports centre did indeed stay then the Green space would be increased by say 5% and not 10%.

Is this a regeneration of the entire park or just the top site?

The response was that the park is being renewed from the bottom up & that 40% has already been done. The remaining 60% is open for dialogue with London Development Agency & Bromley Borough Council. Ray’s goal is a complete transformation of the whole Park, working with the improvements already made.

Is there a plan to link Crystal Palace Parade & the Triangle with the park?

The original subway under the parade & park could certainly be opened up & this is very much a discussion that has to be had. Ray said it is imperative that Crystal Palace is a destination not a through route and therefore that the Triangle, the Parade, the Park and the New Crystal Palace work together as one.

The original Crystal Palace was at times a white elephant. Could South London truly support such a large project?

Ray agreed that a new Crystal Palace would not have been possible 10-15 years ago as South London was such a transient area. But with 3.5m people in South London and with the East London Line opening, it has the financial substance of a major city and will be significantly more accessible. This adds even greater reason for the Tramlink to come to Crystal Palace. An example of this kind of successful development was the Tate Modern on the South Bank.

The New Crystal Palace would also be highly flexible in its design enabling it to respond to market changes and remain relevant.

What is the main thrust of the commercial side of the development?

A lot of talking needs to be done about this: because there is the need for substantial high-quality retail that has to be seen to complement and enhance the existing retail in the Triangle.

Are the O2 & Battersea Power station not competitors?

The O2 has put East London on the map but this is a South London destination and showcase. There is no park/outdoor facilities at the O2. Mention of 02 does demonstrate that it is imperative that any kind of development is private sector lead with public sector as a facilitator to avoid the pitfalls of the Dome prior to it becoming 02. A New Crystal Palace will be in the destination market place and Ray was confident that its uniqueness and brand strength will enable success.

There were no further questions and Andrew asked that Ray leave the room for a show of hands as to whether members of the Chamber supported the New Crystal Palace proposals in principle. Members vote 25 for & 1 against with no abstentions. There was therefore a virtually unanimous majority for the proposal in principle & Ray was asked to come back & be presented with the findings.

3. Future Main Meetings

Ray returned to the role as chair and said that the following main meetings of the Chamber had been arranged:

. 10 February: James Cleverly (GLA Member for Bromley and Bexley): My vision for London and Crystal Palace

. 10 March: Stephen Carr (Leader of LB Bromley): My vision for Bromley and Crystal Palace

. 14 April: Five Minutes of Fame – nine or ten local businesses speak forth (provisional)

. 12 May: Promoting Crystal Palace on the South London, London and world stage (provisional)

. 9 June: Preparing for the Crystal Palace Winter Festival (provisional)¬

Ray said that Mayor Boris Johnson had been invited to speak in the autumn of 2009 or spring of 2010.

He invited other ideas for the main meetings for the Management Committee, which meets monthly, to consider.

4. Any Other Business

Crystal Palace June Festival: John Greatrex said that on Friday 30th January, at 7.30 pm in the Library, he would be setting out the outlines of his ideas for a June festival, which he would envisage as being the first of an annual series of events. He invited all to attend.

5. Date of Next Main Meeting

Tuesday 10th February, 6.45pm: location to be confirmed.

Minutes 11th November 2008

2009-08-22T14:26:00.002+01:00

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Main Meeting, 11 November 2008, Amphlett Lissimore, Westow Street

Those present:

Ray Hall* (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt* (Honorary Secretary)
Kevin Carleton-Reeves (transport consultant)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Gerry Evans (Lambeth – invited visitor)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea Restaurant)
John Greatrex* (Sainsburys)
Frank Lissimore (Amphlett Lissimore)
Kevin Monk (Mango Swiss)
Stan Morris* (Shine Bright)
Sue Nagle* (Triangle Traders)
Gavin Rookledge (Rook's Books)
Jonathan Rowlandson (Jonathan Rowlandson Design)
Tim Sharville (Mango Swiss)
Andy Stem (Bambino)
Chris Stewart* (Acorn Estates)
Jane Arte Watt (JAG Contemporary Design)

* Management Committee

Apologies

Will Ellner* (Joanna’s)
Mark McLaughlan* (The White Hart)
Silke Rudolph* (The Massage Practice)

1. Introduction

Ray was presented with the Chamber insignia, adopting the badge of the Chamber and sounding the gavel. He thanked Amphlett Lissimore for providing an excellent venue and Stan and his family for their delicious refreshments.

He asked for any declarations of potential conflicts of interest with the items on the agenda. John Greatrex said that his company, Great Exhibition Ltd., aims to erect a transportable pavilion based on the Crystal Palace.

Andrew said that after Friday 21st November, minutes of main meetings and other material related to the Chamber would be sent by “open copy” e-mail to all members, unless people specifically requested to be blind copied. Ray added that from early next year only paid-up members would be included in this definitive list and that e-mail would be the main form of communication.

The minutes of the 14th October meeting were approved as a fair record. There were no matters arising.

2. Reports

Membership: Ray said that Mark was compiling a list of members, with the aid of Silke.

Bank Account: Ray encouraged all to give Stan the membership fee of £25. This could be paid either by cheque, payable to “Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce” or, ideally, by standing order.

Postal Address: Ray reported that, thanks to the efforts of Bradley Millington, the Board of the Library had formally approved the use of the following postal address:

Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce
c/o Upper Norwood Joint Library
39 Westow Hill
Upper Norwood
London
SE19 1TJ

South London Business: Ray said that South London Business (SLB) is an independent company limited by guarantee. It is chaired by Sir Bob Scott and has the support of the LDA and GLA. Its purpose is to facilitate the growth of all businesses in South London. Hitherto it has concentrated on larger businesses, but it is now broadening its scope. In particular, as Sue emphasised, Crystal Palace is seen as a key location for the regeneration of South London.

Ray said that he has been in close contact for several years with Peter Pledger, the Chief Executive of SLB, and its director responsible for Crystal Palace, Simon Turnage, both of whom are taking a keen interest in the Chamber’s activities. He said that he would aim to invite Peter to a meeting of the Chamber in 2009. In the meantime, he encouraged all businesses to look up their website and consider entering the South London Business Awards. Submissions in 12 categories are invited by the 27thFebruary 2009. A prestigious awards ceremony will be held at the Crystal Palace Football Ground, Selhurst Park on 20th May 2009.

Ray also encouraged members to attend the SLB transport event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday 4th December at Battersea Power Station. Valerie Shawcross (GLA Member for Lambeth and Southwark) would be speaking. He and Kevin Carleton-Reeves plan to be there.

Tramlink: Ray said that Boris Johnson made clear at the Bromley Question Time of Thursday 6th November that the Croydon Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace had not been cancelled but simply postponed. Ray has been in contact with Valerie Shawcross, who thinks that reinstating the Tramlink is winnable. She was very pleased by the Chamber’s interest. At Valerie’s advice, Ray would shortly be contacting James Cleverly (GLA Member for Bromley and Bexley). Sue said that when the Triangle Traders had formally voted on the proposal, 75 to 1 were in favour. Andy stressed the need to act as soon as possible.

Ray said that he would aim for the Chamber to discuss Tramlink and vote on it. He would seek the approval of the Chamber to approach Mayor Boris on its behalf. Ray reminded the meeting that James Cleverly will be presenting his vision for Bromley, Bexley and Crystal Palace at the 10th February meeting of the Chamber.

Remembrance Day: Ray said that it is important for the Chamber to promote the interests of the wider community as well as those of its members. He was very moved by the occasion of laying a wreath at the Upper Norwood war memorial on behalf of the Chamber.

In response to a suggestion from Sue, he agreed to write to Transport for London and LB Croydon requesting that the traffic be stopped in Westow Street for Remembrance Day ceremonies in future years.

Charity Ball: Jane said that she is considering organising a charity ball on the top site to raise funds for the Crystal Palace Museum and local charities. Ray said that he has mentioned the proposal to Stephen Carr (Leader of Bromley Council). Sue would be hosting a brainstorm on November 18th to consider the ideas further and it was agreed that they would then be discussed at a subsequent meeting of the Chamber.

Crystal Palace Festival: Andy said that on Saturday 29th November a festival will take place in the Triangle. It will be an spontaneous event with a range of live music in many of the pubs and an exciting variety of markets. The aim is for businesses to do something different for the day.

Sarah said that Sharon Baldwin of the Crystal Palace Business Partnership has arranged publicity for the festival in local newspapers. An offer has been received to video the event and Andy will follow through. Ray welcomed the festival as great opportunity to celebrate and mutually support the vibrancy and diversity of Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace Stars: Jonathan said that he has designed a star, which he was taking forward in accordance with the budget. This was welcomed with thanks to Jon. Jane wondered whether medallions with more explicit reference to Crystal Palace within them could be added.

Ray said that the Committee of Management had approved the use of £800 of the Chamber’s funds for the purchase of the stars, which would then be offered on loan to local businesses in this and subsequent Christmas periods. Gavin emphasised the aim of providing a cohesive visual theme around the whole Triangle, and encouraged each business to participate. It was agreed that links should also be made to the sale of raffle tickets for a local charity.

It was agreed that over the coming days, Jonathan, Sarah, Sue, Gavin, Jane and other interested parties (such as JWPR who had kindly offered a generous raffle prize of beauty products) would take forward discussions of the best approach.

Church Road Traffic: Ray referred to Cllr. George Filbey (LB Croydon) proposing the installation of pedestrian crossings in Church Road at the September main meeting of the Chamber. He had taken it up with Council officers with little response. Ray has written to Stephen Carr (Leader of Bromley) and Mike Fisher (Leader of Croydon).

Chamber Christmas Party: This has been arranged for Friday 12th December. A meal at Weatherspoon’s, Westow Street, will be followed by a party at a house in Church Road, kindly made available by its owner. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Sue or Andy.

3. Five Minutes of Fame

Amphlett Lissimore:
http://www.amphlettlissimore.co.uk/
Frank said that Amphlett Lissimore offers a range of legal services including a family department, conveyancing, wills, probate and tax planning. Its criminal department, Bagshaws, has three “higher rights” solicitors. Founded in 1983, but with long-established antecedents, the firm has 50 employees, one of the largest local businesses.

Sarah said that, as business development manager, she is very keen to open up Amphlett Lissimore to the wider community. Through initiatives such as coffee mornings, the aim is to develop strong relationships with local businesses and residents. Free initial consultations are available so that people can see the opportunities for legal services to improve their lives.

Chris added that, having recommended Amphlett Lissimore to clients through his Acorn estate agency, he applauded the practice for its very caring and professional approach.

Mango Swiss:
http://www.mangoswiss.com/
Tim said that after training at the London College of Printing and freelance activity in the West End, he and Kevin have recently formed their own business. He demonstrated the local business directory, approved by Croydon Enterprise, to which nearly 400 people have already signed up. An impressive achievement, this very useful resource is complementary to the excellent local web forum, Virtual Norwood. More generally, the business offers services such as web design and web development and is keen to develop closer links with the local community and surrounding areas.

This initiative was greatly welcomed. Ray asked how Chamber members could become clients to Mango Swiss. As well as web site design, Tim and Kevin designed anything concerning graphics, including corporate images, brochure and exhibitions.

For further information, please see http://www.crystalpalacelocal.co.uk/
and http://www.mangoswiss.com/page/home

Ray thanked the presenters and congratulated them on their new venture on behalf of the Chamber.

4. Crystal Palace Festival

John noted that the Crystal Palace had started the World Expo movement, another international legacy of London. His presentation drew attention to the festival organised by the Crystal Palace Triangle Association and local community groups in June 1974, when Pat Lawrence had stressed “how community spirit can put Crystal Palace back on the map”. Early June is an ideal time for the Crystal Palace Festival that he proposed, encompassing the anniversaries not only of the opening of the rebuilt Palace on 10th June 1854, but also many other significant dates for its designer, Joseph Paxton.

John’s proposed festival would be an opportunity to celebrate the history, diversity and vibrancy of the local area. Gavin said that Croydon Enterprise may be willing to act as a facilitator. Gerry offered to share her experience with the Streatham Festival, particularly on how to engage most effectively the support of local authorities.

Among the ideas raised were:

• to link in with the regular series of festivals being catalyzed by Andy and Sue;
• to be accompanied by an “International Round the Triangle” promotion of shops and restaurants;
• to tie in with the Crystal Palace free music festival in the Park;
• to involve local schools.

It was agreed that the Chamber gives its support in principle to the idea. Members are encouraged to contact John directly at greatrexv@aol.com to flesh out the ideas further. John proposed a brainstorm evening at his flat.

5. Any Other Business

As part of the further discussion of the Crystal Palace Stars (see above), Sue said that it would be worth considering her idea for siting Christmas Trees at the three corners of the Triangle. An alternative was on private land on each side of the Triangle. The Royal Albert had already offered its forecourt.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 13th January 2009, 6.45pm, location to be arranged. Members only. Main item: Ray’s proposal for a New Crystal Palace in a renewed Crystal Palace Park.

Minutes 14th October 2008

2009-08-22T14:16:00.003+01:00

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 MeetingTuesday 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.

Minutes 9th September 2008

2009-08-22T13:53:00.004+01:00

Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce

Minutes of Meeting 9th September 2008

Venue: Patrick's in Westow Hill.

Attending: Ray Hall (*chair), Sarah Dacre*, John Greatrex*, Cllr George Filbey, Jane Arte Watt, Don Madgwick, Silke Rudolph*, Mark Mclauchlan (*membership), St Aubyn Waugh, Sadie Waugh, Ahmet Rashit. Gavin Rookledge, Stan Morris (*treasurer), John Cooke, Chris Stewart*, Bradley Millington, Wil Elner (*vice chair), Roger Sorell

*committee of management

Apologies: Andrew Parfitt*, Sue Nagle, Andy Stem and Vivienne Bartholomew

FUTURE EVENTS
Ray reported the events agreed and planned for the next 12-15 months. Each is designed to enable the business community to see its practical value, as well as its relevance to London and to the world stage as we prepare to play our role in hosting the peoples of the world in 2012 and beyond.

2008.
October 14th: Crystal Palace identity & branding led by Audrey Hammond and Ray.
November 11th: Crystal Palace Festival - led by John Greatrex.
December 10th: Crystal Palace Christmas Party 2009.
January 13th: New Crystal Palace in a renewed Crystal Palace Park - led by Ray.
February 10th: My Vision for London & Crystal Palace - led by James Cleverly GLA member for Bromley and Bexley.
March 10th: My Vision for Bromley, South London & Crystal Palace - led by Stephen Carr, Leader of Bromley Borough Council

Ideas for Future Guests
Leader Mike Fisher: My Vision for Croydon, South London & Crystal Palace.
Tessa Jowell MP: My Vision for the London Olympics & Crystal Palace.
Mayor Boris Johnson: My Vision for Ping Pong, London, the World & Crystal Palace

September 27th
Andy is organizing a spontaneous all Crystal Palace event that would follow the "Love our shops" theme. As a taste there would be space for stalls outside the Albert pub, a Jazz band in Church Road, the Alma market & at the White Hart. It would be from 10am. It is advertised in the Transmitter, on the same day as the history exhibition in the Library. John Greatrex will beat the bounds of the Triangle with the actual 1948 Olympic torch.

MAIN SUBJECT
The main purpose of the meeting is to understand difficulties with the One Way System and see how it can be improved in terms of safety and connectivity: to be more people and customer friendly. Chamber member Cllr George Filbey, who has an engineering business, led a presentation and a discussion which was very detailed and constructive. The one way system was introduced because of congestion. One negative effect is the 'race track' that is Church Road. George proposed 3 new pedestrian crossings and was given a mandate from the meeting to seek their implementation.

George also proposed an additional pedestrian crossing in Westow Street and again he was mandated to seek its implementation. Other ideas were tabled: a 20 mph speed limit around the Triangle, the removal of the no left turn from Central Hill into Gypsy Hill, a no vehicle box at eh junction of Westow Street and Church Road, 'show your speed' illuminated signs, chevron signs to require traffic slow down and a wider loading bay by the furniture shop in Westow Street. These other ideas will be reviewed at a future meeting. The discussion then widened and focussed into a car wash in Victory Place that was car clamping and fining drivers. George expressed deep concern for experiences he had heard of. Several members relayed stories corroborating George's concerns. It was agreed that members would email information to George as he seeks to remedy the problem.

George also stressed how important planning applications were and that approved schemes must strengthen the character and community in Crystal Palace and not undermine it. He made particular reference to schemes that were the affordable part of private schemes in e.g. the centre of Croydon. There was a strong debate in support of George's approach. George will report planning issues for discussion as they arise.

Ray thanked George for a very practical and passionate evening that could lead to actual benefit to the Triangle, businesses and customers. Ray also thanked the hosts of the evening, Patrick's, for an exellent venue.

NEXT MEETING
October 14th: venue to be notified: subject "The identity and branding of Crystal Palace".

Minutes AGM 5th August 2008

2009-08-22T13:49:00.002+01:00

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:

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

He invited other suggestions. Sue proposed:

Ø Update on Crystal Palace Park;
Ø Conservation;
Ø 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 1st July 2008

2009-08-22T13:45:00.001+01:00

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.

Newsletter 3rd June 2008

2008-06-03T08:38:00.004+01:00

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

2007-03-30T16:21:00.000+01:00

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

2007-03-30T16:00:00.000+01:00

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

2006-12-04T10:03:00.000Z

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

2006-12-04T09:51:00.000Z