COMMITTEE NEWS

Stuart Cuttler has sadly resigned from his position as President of the Chamber due to personal circumstances.

The committee would like to wish him well for the future and thank him for his time and effort over the last 18 months.

HELP FOR HEROES DONATION

The photo below was taken at the presentation evening for Help for Heroes. Money was raised from the 2009 Chamber fireworks display. The cheque was for £2,500.00 and the evening was attended by helpers from the fireworks display.

Left to right in the photo are:-

David Hunter, Major James Chandler, Lord Craig, Stuart Cuttler, Mike Coates, Brett Corder

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

We currently have over 60 Chamber members' businesses listed on our website. If you run a business in the Fakenham area, or know a business owner who could benefit from membership of the Chamber, please get in touch.

Find out more on this page

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS REQUIRED

The Chamber Committee is actively looking for new Committee members. Anyone who is interested should contact the Secretary, Diane Shilling by e-mail or by telephone on 01328 820861

FAKENHAM & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF TRADE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT LARKING GOWEN, FAKENHAM
ON 5th JULY 2010

PRESENT
Brett Corder, Julie Sheldrake, John Lingwood, Chris Vanderloo, Nic Slegg

APOLOGIES
Diane Shilling (Secretary), Philip Moy, Carl Lake

MINUTES OF JUNE MEETING

Signed as present and correct

MATTERS ARISING

JS had received the paperwork from DS in relation to the firework poster advertising and advised all of format in which adverts received. JS outlining who has not yet paid for advert and BC gave his money to JS with the others asked to pay asap
BC had prepared an events calendar that was positively received by all. There are to be a couple of minor adjustments to take into consideration school holidays – Action BC
Printing of the posters was discussed and possible companies that can be used, with the aim that at the next meeting there will be a mock poster for the committee to consider. BC will have spoken to various printing companies by the end of July to confirm costs, with the aim that the posters are at the printers by the end of August – Action BC
The number of schools who should be invited to partake in the poster competition was discussed and a 15-mile radius of Fakenham was agreed as the cut-off point. The first step was agreed to be the compilation of a list of schools that are to be included and JS will research and compile that list for next months meeting – Action JS
The announcement of winners was considered to be an important part of the competition and all agreed that Janet Holden and Adrian Bell would be asked to judge and present the prize to the winner
The committee could not agree on five local charities to benefit from this years fireworks (in addition to Help the Heroes) and all felt that the fairest way would be for the names of the 11 potential charities to be placed in a hat and five names selected at the next meeting
JL confirmed that he had completed the firework plan and that the wedding was definitely on that day. JL was going to be in contact with the racecourse to find out the implications for the fireworks display if the wedding is being filmed (as part of a TV program). If so, JL will need to meet with a representative from the racecourse to review the logistical side of the day. It was agreed that JL will liaise with JS on this point and, if necessary, JS will draft a letter to the racecourse – Action JL and JS
JS outlined the findings on what other Chambers offered their members. Everyone was provided with a copy of a recent newspaper article further to the appointment of a new president in Cromer, together with various sections from local chamber websites. Regular meetings with members were discussed and it was agreed that we would look at a Summer Party in more detail at the next meeting. JS stated that when the Fakenham Chamber is googled it does not take you to the homepage, but to another page on the website which does not have the same impact. CV felt that a member discount scheme would be beneficial and also discussed breakfast meetings. Overall it was agreed that the profile of the Chamber needed to be raised. BC felt that over the next year to eighteen months this could be achieved with active networking.
BC stated that there was nothing further to report on the two/three people who were keen to become committee members last month but he would chase – Action BC

Carried over from last meeting

NS to contact David Hunter and offer the racecourse the advert space with all the race dates on the back of the raffle tickets – Action NS

CORRESPONDENCE

None

NEW MEMBERS/SUBSRIPTION RENEWALS

None

TREASURERS REPORT

Not discussed this meeting

RECENT PLANNING APPLICATIONS TO THE TOWN COUNCIL

None raised

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

BC stated that Steve who helped with the IT had been very helpful recently and wondered if he was owed anything for his services. DS may know more about this when she returns from holiday so JS will raise that with her – Action JS
BC stated that there had been 2-3 successes with updating company information on the website but 7-8 are still to do that. This is to be carried over to the next meeting – Action BC
BC pointed out that the messenger on the website needs to be off
NS stated that Sharon has asked about doing the letters this year for the raffle as she normally starts that at this time of the year. It was agreed that NS would speak to Sharon to confirm that she is to go ahead and follow her usual format – Action NC
BC stated that Kickstart are having a summer fayre on Sat 28th August and all agreed that the Chamber should have a stall
JL recently attended the Kickstart meeting at a training centre on the industrial estate and commended the facilities and opportunities that the training centre offers to a range of students from round the county
JL stated that Fakenham Sun continues to remain supportive of the Chamber
JL had obtained quotations from Target to leaflet drop 5000 of the Walks leaflets for £360 + VAT and £323 + VAT. This would cover the distribution of leaflets to tourist destinations in the North Norfolk, West Norfolk and Norwich and Broadland areas. All agreed that the higher figure was most cost effective as that included the regular topping up of the leaflets which the committee felt was necessary
BC showed the committee the “my norfolk guide” for Holt and Sheringham and stated that a new guide covering just Fakenham is about to be produced. Everyone felt that the publication was excellent and that the Chamber should take advantage of this advertising opportunity to promote its members. BC will speak to the editors by the next meeting to obtain some further information as to how the Chamber could be featured – Action BC
BC stated that as acting President an acting Deputy President should be appointed and he proposed JS which was agreed by all committee members

NEW HONORARY MEMBER

North Norfolk Radio has been voted the Radio Academy's 'East of England Station of the Year' and they broadcast to the region from their studios in Stody, North Norfolk. As well as entertaining us, much of their time is dedicated to supporting the local community through charity work and they make many public promotional appearances 'on the road' throughout the area.

They have worked closely with us for a long time and have contributed greatly to the success of our annual November firework displays. We're now pleased to welcome this very successful local business to the Fakenham Chamber as an honorary member.

FAKENHAM FARMERS MARKET

The Farmers' Market is held in the Market Square between 8.30am & 12noon on the FOURTH Saturday of every month (please note this is not always the LAST Saturday).

A wide variety of fresh top quality local produce, seasonal variations, usually 25 to 35 stalls. A traditional market with atmosphere, value and entertainment, come early to avoid disappointment.

Website available at www.fakenhamfarmersmarket.co.uk