Minutes of Annual general Meeting
of the
Hungerford Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, 6th April 2006
At Littlecote House
Present:
Nick Furr, Jackie Penny, Anne Brown, Annie Griffiths; Melanie Price; Greg Furr; Rachel Furr; Richard Broomhead; David Small ; Geoff Adams; Barry Withers; Louise Saunders; George Styles; Chris Dodd
Apologies – Bill Acworth; Jill Bettell; Fiona Hobson ; Robert Johnson; Karen Sperry; Tom Sperry; Wendy Spring; Ian Thompson; Peter Sinyard; Sarah Matthews; Carol Daniels; Paddy Coppinger; Stuart Hoffgartner; Ros Comins
Chairman’s Introduction
The chairman opened the meeting with a brief synopsis of what had been achieved during the year since the new committee had formed.
There were two social events during the year. Dinner at Littlecote House in December and a St.Valentine’s Dinner-dance at the Corn Exchange. Melanie Llewelyn Price informed the meeting that there would be further socials during the coming year. These would be confirmed, but current thoughts were a Barn dance possibly in September, a Summer Garden Party and a Country Walk and Picnic at Little Hidden Farm to include the June C of C meeting.
A further achievement worthy of note is the new Town Map under the railway bridge, associated with which has to be the exclusion of pigeons from under the railway bridge. The chairman was successful in persuading Network Rail that it was their responsibility to alleviate this town nuisance.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of the treasurers the chairman reported on the audited accounts for the year ending December 2005. A copy of the audit statement can be made available to any member who requests it.
Appointment of Committee and Office rs.
The chairman explained that due to workload new members were required in particular areas. The following positions were filled:-
| Chairman | Nick Furr | who agreed to continue as chairman for the coming year on the understanding that he would get more practical support. |
Treasurer and Membership Secretary |
Richard Broomhead | |
| Chamber Secretary | David Small | |
| Publicity & External Affairs | volunteer required | |
| Victorian Extravaganza | ||
| Representative | volunteer required |
All will need help from time to time.
This is a classic example of a load shared being a load significantly reduced for all involved. The requirements of the Chamber are not demanding and potential volunteers should not worry that they will be committed for any longer than they are prepared to be.
We also require someone to lead on Publicity. This area is most important if we want Hungerford to flourish. Anyone who has an interest or understanding of this area would be welcome.
Tourism Project
With significant assistance from James Turner of Hidden Britain the Tourism committee have been able to realise a DEFRA grant of £19,000, a part of a £24000 publicity initiative. The balance of £5,000 is to be funded by the Chamber. This will be realised by contribution of time in lieu, and by local companies giving their services for no payment or for significantly discounted charges. The project was set to provide four additional Town maps and 50000 Tourist brochures. This will help Hungerford to increase its profile in such ways as the beautifully presented and informative town maps now in 5 prime positions in the town, and the distribution of the Tourist Guides by various means by early May. They will be sent to prime area tourist offices further afield, narrow boat holiday centres, local shops, rail network offices etc. These leaflets are full of useful information - places to stay, shop, eat, and visit within the area, together with detailed maps, photographs and illustrations.
With the exception of the printing, for which we have no local resource (for copy of this size), all the work on this production has been sourced/contributed from within the town.
It is thought these leaflets will be ready to distribute immediately after the May Bank holiday.
Retail Group
Anne Brown told the meeting about ideas that they had for the coming year that would be building on town events.
Hocktide – Window Competition and Orange giving to local children.
Local retailers need to be informed very quickly if this is to take place.
Summer Wine Festival – This may fit in, or clash with HADCAF activity.
Hungerford in Bloom – local businesses are to be asked to sponsor a flower basket for the summer season. It is hoped that we can build on the success of the Christmas lights and become known as a destination shopping area.
All of the above should bring indirect publicity to the town with editorials in local newspapers.
Anne Brown also praised the town’s new website which is looking particularly good. Richard Broomhead asked for businesses using the site not to send articles, ads etc only when he sent reminders out. This makes it very difficult to get all information on the site in a timely fashion and condenses his voluntary workload. He would find it much more helpful to have items sent throughout the month.
Geoff Adams from The Adviser welcomed the idea of either a weekly or monthly 200/250-word article for his publication. This would be a very useful PR outlet for the town and could be written about anything interesting, humorous or informative. The choice would be that of the author. Are there any wannabe journalists out there? A team would be good so that it does not become a chore for just one person. It was suggested that the first article should be about the C of C website to inform local people that there was one!
Notice Board – there is now a covered notice board under the railway bridge, alongside the new town map. All Chamber news and comment will be posted there as and when available.
Any other Business
It was brought to the attention of the Chamber that the town pavements were very dirty. Is there something that can be done about this?
It is thought that too much unnecessary street signage has appeared in Hungerford. Is there anything that can be done to reduce it?
It was put to the committee that we advertise the website on local buses as the more people who know about it, the more likely it is that it will be used to check out what Hungerford has to offer.
Would it be a good idea to advertise www.hungerford.co.uk below our town signs as other places in the country have done.
Next meeting – 4 th May 2006 .
Venue: The Downgate.
Time: from 6pm
This will be a social meeting with no agenda other than the possible introduction to Chamber members of the Tourist brochure which is expected to be printed and available at the beginning of May
Following meeting – 1 st June 2006 .
Venue: Little Hidden Farm.
Agenda: A tour of the farm and its flower meadows under the expert tutelage of Bill Acworth. It is hoped to provide a little sustenance for which there may be a small charge.
Time: from 6pm
Greg Furr thanked the Chairman, on behalf of all businesses, for all his efforts throughout the year.
Italicised notes are post meeting additions