At our meeting on the 6th October much reminiscing took place due to the passing of Peter Dickerson. Pete had been a long-term member of the Chamber and although had not been able to attend for several years was well remembered by those who knew him with several anecdotes re. the antics he used to get up to. He was a well-loved man, and the Chamber passes on its respects to the family. He was, at various stages, Secretary and Treasurer of the Chamber which roles he more than adequately dealt with. Personally, although I had known him for many years, my wife knew him even longer having worked with him at Midland Bank (now HSBC) in Fore Street. A sad loss.
The meeting started with the AGM and I was once again voted in as Chairman and Doug Bond also stayed on as Treasurer. He explained the new system for payment of annual subscription and Pete Samuels updated on how he proposed that members could make better use of the website etc. I apologised that my annual report had not been circulated but I had had a very busy month with, in addition to my various other roles, having become a carer for my wife who had recently had a knee replacement and was sent home from hospital after only two days. I have, however, learnt many things in home management that I was unaware of previously.
Once the AGM was over, we then went on to the normal Monthly Meeting and were pleased to hearthat matters were progressing well with the Christmas Festival. We have been awarded grants from the Town Council Festival Fund and from Scrapstore for which we are very grateful. We are looking forward to a bumper festival on the 6th December. Updates were received on the Town Council event for the new Christmas Lights switch-on and the Late-Night Shopping event on the 14th November. Also, on the work of Town Team and the recent installation of CCTV in the town by the Town Council.
At a previous meeting a question was asked about the legality of using one’s phone to pay at the toll booth and I was able to give a response from Devon and Cornwall Police that such was legal providing the phone is no longerin the hand of the driver when pulling away from the toll booth. It was noted that there was a lack of ability to purchase fresh bread in the town centre, and I undertook to do some research. I also agreed to invite the new Chief Officer for the Tamar Crossings to attend a future meeting as the Tamar Bridge is an important element in the everyday running of businesses in the town.
