Lorraine Harrison :: Chairman :: Newquay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

December 2006

Wed 6th Dec

Well, what a fantastic month November was with the “launching” of the new pop up toilet on Fore Street Car Park. Have to say that, although I wasn’t terribly enamoured with the idea of men relieving themselves in full view of passers by, the unit itself is really quite impressive with integral automatic cleaning and nothing (famous last words) that can be vandalised.

I am assured that the disinfectant that is being used is environmentally safe, bearing in mind that we can’t have our streets disinfected because of leaching into the rivers and sea. I’m wondering if, under the circumstances, this same disinfectant couldn’t be utilised for our streets as well. Hmmmmm!!!

As you will all be aware, the annual end of season Dinner and Dance was held on the 10 November at the Sandy Lodge Hotel. Any of you that read my report last month will remember how concerned I was about it and whether or not anybody would be there. Well, as it happens, I am thrilled to be able to tell you that it was a HUGE success and everybody that I have spoken to that attended had a great time.

Sandy Lodge and its staff couldn’t do enough for us and, when I arrived there doing my headless chicken act, I was greeted by Peter Butterley who assured me that everything would be absolutely fine. I have to admit that, with the greatest of respect to Peter, I didn’t believe him at the time, but he was absolutely right. The young receptionist, Sarah, put right a couple of little concerns I had and everything proceeded better than I could have ever envisaged.

We had an enormous amount of raffle prizes and I can’t sufficiently thank all of those businesses, and private individuals, that donated them or, indeed, the financial sponsors. Two close personal friends actually volunteered to run the raffle for me and then a further two of the Lions’ wives that attended, actually ran around and sold more tickets. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and the mix of people could not have been better. Once again, thank you everybody that attended and to all of you that helped on the night — what can I say?

A huge “THANK YOU” also needs to go to Captain Bill Stacia of JMF St Mawgan who agreed to do an after dinner speech. Having heard him speak at the recent US Navy Ball, I knew that he was the one I wanted to do the same at the NCCT Dinner and Dance. He also, very kindly, at the drop of a hat, agreed to say grace before the meal.

AND IT DIDN’T SNOW!!!

So, I guess that what I’m really saying is that, if you didn’t manage to get there — YOUR LOSS!!! Better luck next year.

For those of you who have not yet updated, or even entered, your business details on the website, you may wish to do so. I am thrilled to say that the website has been the catalyst for some companies that have registered to network, with the result that business is being facilitated between companies that otherwise may not have had the opportunity to interact.

As I mentioned in my last report, Andy Weir and I duly attended the Remembrance Day Parade and I have to say that it was the biggest turnout for this incredibly important day that I have seen for many years. It was an honour to represent the NCCT on this extremely poignant day.

I am really pleased to tell you that Restormel has agreed to our request for free parking in Newquay on Saturdays the 02, 09, 16 and 23 December. Councillor Patrick Lambshead also made a request for free parking on Fridays but has graciously agreed to our proposals which, after consultation with the portfolio holder, has lead to a further day, i.e. 02 December, being included.

In closing, and at the risk of upsetting everybody, Christmas is just around the corner and I am extremely pleased to tell you that our initiative to hold a 10% off day in the town has been a huge success and there are many shops taking part, a list of whom is on the website. The date will be 16 December to coincide with Santa’s Sleigh being in the town, the charity street market and one of the free parking days. Having recently spoken to Mavis Warman, who I believe was Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce at the time this initiative was originally taken some years ago, it will bring a huge amount of people into Newquay.

We are intending to ensure that the day will be extremely well publicised and, if there is anything that can make it a success, you can be sure that I and the Executive will be doing everything within our power to make it so.

The 10% day will be aimed at member and non-member retail outlets and, if there’s any justice in this world and the day is a huge success, some of those non-members will realise what huge benefits there are in belonging to the town’s Trade Association.

Our financial sponsors for the day are Quintdown Press, The Newquay Guardian, Newquay Voice and Harrisons Mortgage Solutions Ltd. Many thanks to all of them.

As this is my last report before Christmas, may I take this opportunity of wishing all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Don’t forget that you can send your Christmas and New Year wishes to everybody in the business community on the NCCT Website.

Lorraine Harrison
Chairman
Newquay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism