Thanks to Bob for this report from the recent Ventnor Business Association members meeting. Ed
Chairman’s report of General Members Meeting – 26 June 2013
It is a positive reflection on the Business Community, that there was a good attendance at the General Meeting and that most of those who could not attend gave formal apologies.
One of those who could not attend was Wendy of Oh So Vintage in Pier Street. She was attending as finalist for the South East Region in the National Vintage Awards being held in Birmingham – and Wendy won! Thank you Wendy – what a coup and what encouragement to the Retailers in Ventnor.
Town Map
The new edition of the map has gone to press and will be available for distribution shortly after the date of this report.
Although late being produced this year it is hoped that next year’s edition will be ready in good time for Easter.
Website
It is pleasing for everyone that the impact of the Love Ventnor VBA website has received such a positive reaction.
This can only go forward and be developed in advertising and promotion of local businesses. The forward business development of the website is in discussion.
Portas Award
A big thank you to all who sent in their ideas and possible projects to us. Several of these were considered to be capital projects which will be investigated further for their feasibility and funding.
The consensus was to improve the ambience of the Town Centre area and three proposals are being researched individually for design, permissions and costings. We will report later on these.
Town Council Liaison
We have had two meetings to date and would like to thank the Town Clerk and staff for their help and openness. Discussion involved update of VBA projects; employees engaged by VTC; funding; young person/apprenticeship training locally; Winter Gardens; Localism Act re Car Parking and Street Cleaning; status on Salisbury Gardens; Town bunting and hanging baskets.
The VBA will be lobbying our MP to make representation for the continuation of the Small Business Rate Relief – which ends this October.
Shop Window/Love Ventnor Stickers
A simple but we hope effective sign is being produced, as recommended by one of our local businesses.
We hope this will be displayed in ALL business window displays.
These will be distributed shorty.
Proposed Westminster Day
An invite was received from our MP’s Office for the VBA to participate at an event to promote the Isle of Wight in the Jubilee Room of Houses of Parliament later this year.
We would like to promote Ventnor with a display; if any organisation can help towards this and would like to be involved, please make contact.
Dinosaur Isle
The Isle of Wight has been named the best site for dinosaur remains in Europe and is to be the subject of a high profile production of the Dinosaur Age involving 20th Century Fox and the BBC.
In conjunction with this, Visit Isle of Wight have installed meteorite pods in various locations around the Island for their Dinosaur App.
Ventnor has two of these – one behind Smugglers Haven and one at La Falaise Car Park.
We have set up a working party to complement the above with local events and subject material for children of all ages.
Community Events
We have attended a Traders Meeting sponsored by the Town Council.
The Ventnor Community Event arranged jointly through Southern Housing and The Town Council has been rescheduled – date to be advised.
We attended the official opening of our new school – St Francis – on 13 June. A big thank you to the Staff and Children of the School. What talent we have in our Community.
Isle of Arts
Thank you to Gillian Jenner and Chris Bonney for your presentation. The VBA will develop ideas on how we can network and involve the Traders of the Town in a mutually beneficial way.
Membership
We are now reaching the 60 target of members, our togetherness and strength is growing. This can only be good for the overall Community.
Thanks to everybody for their contributions and a big thank you to Ventnor Arts Club for the use of their premises.
Bob Ventress (Chairman)
