MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF FELIXSTOWE CHAMBER OF TRADE AND COMMERCE HELD AT OLD MILLARS ON MONDAY 22^nd MARCH 2004

PRESENT – Stephanie Hammond Chairman & Secretary, John Brinkley Treasurer, Ash Ibrahim Vice Chairman, Duncan Brown, Stuart Ashworth, Roger Hewitt, Barry Williment, Keith Horn, Stanley Harris.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Richard Bannister, Charlie Manning, Sadie Lockwood

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – The minutes of the previous AGM for 11^th March 2002 were read by the Secretary, accepted as a true record and signed by the chairman.

PROPOSED: John Brinkley                                                SECONDED: Ash Ibrahim

MATTERS ARISING – There were none

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT –  

A very stormy year for the chamber.  Keith Horn kindly stepped back into the seat as treasurer.  Marge Flower after 10 years of service very unfortunately had to resign due to health reasons and therefore Stephanie had to fill the post of both Chairman and Secretary for remainder of the year.  The search is till on to fill the post of secretary – thanks was given to Barry Williment  and his personal secretary, Louise for their assistance.

Felixstowe In Flower

Due to our success in 2002 Felixstowe was barred from entering in Britain in Bloom for 2003. Felixstowe kept up the wonderful tradition however, entering Anglia in Bloom.  The Chairman attended the launch, judging reception and presentation of best business (the Elizabeth Orwell).

Blue Flag

Received awards for three beaches.  Chairman attended launch.

CCTV – Harvey Smith

Meetings held on 3^rd April and September 2003.  Discussions are not moving anything forward and this subject has been covered in minutes since 1996.

Town Centre Management – Harvey Smith, Roger Hewitt, Ash Ibrahim, Stephanie Simmonds

Exhibition of plans for South / Convalescent Hill and Bent Hill during 4^th – 5^th July 2003 at Waverly Hotel.  Consultation going on at an unknown cost.

Latest schemes implemented at Railway approach, Cobbold Road, Crescent Road, St Andrews Road all slow traffic through the town in some way.  Car Parking charges are rises but Sunday’s remain free.

Weather Station

Talks have continued and funding is confirmed.  Proposed site is on the roof of the new Tourist Information Centre.

Radio Link

The chamber still continues to monitor the Radio Link System. Roger has stepped down as co-ordinator – thanks were given for his assistance with the scheme.  A meeting was arranged with PC Steve Warne for existing and new members. This was poorly attended.  It was noted that Radio Link had directly contributed to 110 arrests and recovered £1000 of goods.  Harvey Smith would continue to co-ordinate the scheme.

Shop Watch

New folders distributed to Radio Link Members – 38.

Resort Regeneration – Charlie Manning / Barry Williment

South seafront acre site plans are now in the town hall.  Everyone is urged to go and see what is proposed.

Better police pressure on the seafront last summer, a base is now required for 2004.

Pubwatch scheme working well to deter anti-social behaviour.  Sea front traders are now part of the main committee.

Over 50’s Brass Band

Playing every Friday throughout July

Quiz Nights

Last quiz took place at the Spa to raise money for xmas trade advertising.  £537.00 raised.  Venue not as nice as Old Millars.  72 attending tonight’s quiz.

Retail Study

Carried out by SCDC.  Reported that Felixstowe was vital and viable and a further food store required but difficult to create a shopping centre.

Port of Felixstowe

Talks still being held regarding port reconfiguration to accommodate bigger container ships.

Chamber Christmas Cards

Len Bridges commissioned to produce 2 cards designs for this year - Triangle and Felixstowe Ferry.  5 boxes left but 150 prints still available.

Town Centre Manager

Dr Marion Wells addressed the groups last executive committee meeting to describe her role as town centre manager for Woodbridge.  This role would be of great value to Felixstowe and it was decided that a part time role should be sought (if funds allow).

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS –

Copies were available to all attendees.  These were discussed. 

PROPOSED:  Duncan Brown                            SECONDED:  Roger Hewitt

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN –

One nomination received for Harvey Smith.

PROPOSED: Roger Hewitt                                 SECONDED:  Ash Ibrahim

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN –

No Nominations Received

ELECTION OF HONORARY TREASURER –

Keith Horn to Stand Down.  Thanks were given to Keith.

John Brinkley nominated.

PROPOSED:  Roger Hewitt                                SECONDED:  Duncan Brown

ELECTION OF SECRETARY –

Stephanie agreed to stand for another year.

PROPOSED:  Ash Ibrahim                                 SECONDED:  Barry Williment

ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE –

The following members asked to stand down:

·          Mrs Sue Wicks

The following members were proposed and seconded for re-election:

·          Richard Bannister

·          Charlie Manning

·          Duncan Brown

·          Roger Hewitt

·          David Preston

Newly Proposed Members:

·          Stan Harris

·          Philip McLaughlan

All other members of executive committee to continue

APPOINTMENT OF EXAMINER OF ACCOUNTS –

Mr Dusty Miller has stood down. Mr Colin Haughton ACMA has agreed to take the task on.

PROPOSED:   Stephanie Hammond               SECONDED: Duncan Brown

ANY OTHER BUSINESS – There was none.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1915.

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Chairman

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