Steyning Chamber of Trade

“Ask not what the Chamber of Trade can do your you; Ask What can you do for Steyning”

These meaningful words are, of course, a variation of John F. Kennedy’s 1963 rousing West Berlin speech, yet, nevertheless, the underlying message still holds good here in Steyning. The following paragraphs are, quite openly, a clear attempt to convey to all what the Chamber of Trade actually does – or perhaps it may be argued, to what extent is their community involvement.

Quite properly, the Steyning Chamber of Trade (hereafter referred to as “Chamber”) dates from 1991, having the stated objective of “encouraging an association of traders, merchants, professional persons and others in membership, to further trading, commercial and professional interests of the Steyning area”. This opening gambit still holds good today with the upgraded status, I would contend, as an important voice in the community now with links to other groups.

The Chamber is not just about our two flagship days, the May Fair and Christmas Late Night Shopping, still popular and appealing to all age groups – vital as they are in our calendar – but maintains, encourages and helps progress other aspects of small town life. Were you aware that the Chamber has, past and present, been part of the consultation process of these earlier issues:
 
• The new street lighting in Church Street and High Street
• Arranging for installation of an electrical point (High Street Car Park)
• Steyning by-pass remedial repair work
• Ensuring that the popular Farmers Market continues
• Pressing for and obtaining a two hour (previously one hour) free parking period in the High Street car park, plus other topical car parking issues
• Maintaining links with Horsham District Council (H.D.C.) Trading Standards people
• Masterminding the Cotton Alternative Bag (delivered FREE) to local households

Currently the management committee of the Chamber hold quarterly meetings with the Parish Council – a very useful conduit in moving forward together in the wider community interest. Additionally, we have contacts with the local H.D.C. Councillors, West Sussex County Council, the Police, the Steyning Society, the Athletic Club, and others.

In addition to the usual two above key dates, our great task this year is to provide enough money to install, maintain, and remove the annual brilliant display of lights in the high street over the Christmas period.  Previously, we have received a grant from H.D.C., but NOTHING is being given from that source this year, owing to the economic situation.

We will have to find over £3000 to cover this festive cost in 2010. Plans are in hand for fund raising (3 October in a special Chamber auction evening), and hoped for contributions from other sources. I therefore ask, if you, the public want the usual special lighting for the six or seven week period, to help us all you can.

There will be suitably marked, small buckets/boxes in shops from November onwards for customers to drop in their small change after purchases. All this assists as over £300 was collected in this way during late 2009. Do, also, watch out for our local press and publicity campaigns in the forthcoming season – all, with our enthusiastic friends at the White Horse Inn, with a view to getting enough funding together to continue the fantastic lights. I firmly believe Steyning would not be the same at Chris

We are also more than happy to receive donations (all personally acknowledged) from the public at large – every little helps.

We also wish to conclude our new updated membership directory that when ready, will available at selected shop outlets and other likely sites.

There is plenty to do (and none of us get paid – some even absorbing Chamber costs), so please help us where and when you can. For questions and more information etc., kindly make contact: (01903) 813230.

Finally, please remember Steyning is a wonderful place and I am sure we all want to keep it that way – assist us in the community for the benefit of all – shopkeepers, business people, the entire town, and our vital visitors.

Ian Ivatt,
Chair, 84 High Street, Steyning.

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