Beryl had asked whether there is anywhere to display the Transition panels havinmg drawn a blank in Swan Walk!

I spoke with crickmay Commercial Agents whom I am in contact to try and find a retail unit for myself! I suggested that as they have allowed the Poopy appeal to succesfully utilise the old Annetts Art Shop in carfax (opposite Waterstones) and still have posters up in the unit!

He will llook into it and put it to the Landlords whom of course hold sway on such matters. I suggested that they would be seen as good chaps/esses as it would all to the good of Horsham community (not that london based Landlords will necessary see it that way!)

Best wishes

James

I believe the town centre management are keen to see empty shops looking less vacant and have (I think) asked for the subject of displays to put on the agenda for the next meeting. We might be able to do a joint thing with Greening Horsham

Having spoken previously with Gary Mortimer-Cook he advised that they have no power to make Landords do things - other where they have direct impact on Council. Other than business Rates.

It will be the decisions solely of Landlords, unless that is HDC, as to what they do with their premises, such as the exhorbidant rents and terms they expect.

I am with Crickmay friday am so am expecting an answer as set out above, or at least further advices/direction to see whether usage can be given, such as in "Annetts Art Shop" now defunct, for free, as i am sure they must have done for the Poppy appeal.

I noted they use emptey shops for other retailers bits and peices but i would assume that afew peices of silver crossed Swan Walk - or their Landlords - hands, for the privilage.

Met with Crickmay, who advised that they have emailed the landlord to ask their opinion.

however, yesterday noticed that at the old Annetts Art shop that they have cleared the frontage, so not sure what is going on.

Althouagh i appreciate that shop is just one option.

Regards James

Thank you James - fingers crossed the landlords will think it a good idea!

Beryl

Crickmay seem to be dragging their feet on this. But they did say that they have asked the LLord about this but at moment they have an interested party (potential!) and they may not do anything in mean time! It is the same LLord next door so asked why not there!!

I had also said it might be for Greening as well - both really important for the community and future of Horsham.

I had also spoken with Gill Buchanan of Swan Walk fame. As they have a display in the shop next to M&S (the one BHS used over Xmas) - this was in the main to support the Italian W/end, supported again with HDC help! The reasons are that they will allow displays if they are directly connected with any retailers in Swan Walk. Or they will enhance business within SW. In regard to why allow the Italian W/end displays is because they got a 34% increase in footfall/business directly.

She stated that they did allow displays with persons to promote such things but that was up at the top end towards Wilkinsons, however, that "pitch" has been taken by the new coffee/sarnie shop as they have set out chairs - so that is now lost. They otherwise have at times displays where the mosaic is outside Superdrug - but that is for very special situations and not for Tranistion or Greening!!!

There is now, yet another initiative in horsham - called Horsham Unlimited, chaired by Gill buchanan. Had lots of coverage in County times last week. Anyway this is the business community getting together, led in the main by "big businesses" such as Beales and M&S, with suppossidly support from smaller local independant businesses!
My thoughts were surely if Transution and Greening works part of this is thru savings such as on energy then surely it gives people more money in their pockets - partly could be used for spending. I need to think thru + if others have thoughjts - as to put these points to them to explain that by supportingus it helps them!!

M&S had a stall at the Ecofair a couple of years ago, and they had an interesting scheme (involving getting credit for clothes at Oxfam i believe), Unfortnately I didnt have time to go and talk to them at the time.

All the major retailers have sustainability policies. If they want to stay around, they have to address the reality of Peak Oil and its economic shockwaves, and like ourselves they are working to make sense of it all.

Smaller locally owned traders could be supported by TH maybe through a Shop Local Promo - discounts for members of TH, TH Gift Vouchers etc etc etc, the possibilities are endless before we even think about a Horsham pound.

We should organise a joint meeting on the future of the town's economy with Horsham Unlimited. Maybe start discussions by inviting them to GD this month.

Alan

That's a good idea Alan

Anyone can invite anyone to Green Drinks for any reason, and should do - that is the whole point of it!

Does anyone know the Horsham Unlimited contact? i missed the original article - was it in the WSCT?

I don't have the article any longer but the website is http://www.bpmd.co.uk/HU/

Hi All

Very interesting and great suggestions.
There does seem to be multi aspects that require progression. I understand,for example that there is a Community Partnership lead by a guy at HDC, forget name at moment, who like horsham Unlimited is to get together under a similar structure, co-ordination and promotion of voluntary/charity/other groups with vested interests. Could see whether viable to go down that route, ie strength in numbers. however, every group will have their own agendas, which whilst probably not conflicting, will all want their "5 minutes of fame" to progress their causes up the overall agenda. It could work as at present so many groups have a "green" agenda with very similar (rather than contradicting) aims and objectives that unless there is some form of co-ordination they will probably loose imputus and its overall effect.

I see that at moment it is important to promote Greening, as an example of good causes, which could loose out if not gains overall support. I think if that does not penetrate to a reasonable level within the community, most will loose interst as will not see that the "green agenda" has any legs. I am sure both businesses and HDC will be watching to see how it goes to then possibly get on the bandwagen and move forward with such things as Alan mentions.