December 10th 2007 - meeting minutes
The loaves and fishes sculpture by John Skelton, Brighthelm Church and Community Centre
Successful bid for lottery funding
Attendance
Over 30 people attended.
Apologies
Roy Skam, Ian Davey, Mark Erickson, Stella Mainstone, Ruth Goodall, John McGivering
Minutes and matters arising
Astoria - it was noted that since our last meeting the Astoria had been bought by Mike Goldstone (who has also bought the Engineerium, Stanmer House etc) so we hope he will restore it and ideally maintain the theatre element to it.
Sara explained that it has turned out Mark was misdiagnosed - and since Sara is probably deferring her operation until May, they should be able to continue as secretaries until April.
Website - good news!
The NLCA has been successful in its bid for funding from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme for a new interactive website and also for new computer facilities to make Jackie Fuller's editing of the Runner easier. There was a motion of thanks particularly to Peter Crowhurst - as well as to Jack Latimer of mybrightonandhove - for their hard work on the application. The project needs volunteers, as will be explained at January's meeting.
Environmental issues
The Post Office in Trafalgar Street is under threat of closure. Consultation period ends Dec 24th. Everyone at the meeting was asked to write or it will close in February (Sara has also sent round an email). Research about its alleged non-viability was apparently based on the Ship St PO being open! Residents reported terrible queues at the Smith's branch in Churchill Square. There is uncertainty about the future of the PO in the old Co-op building on London Road. It was suggested that a counter be opened in the North Road sorting office, but that is also due to close in the more distant future.
Planning matters
Heart and Hand pub - retrospective application for permission for canopy. No objections.
Brighton Marina - planning application to build five new buildings (3-28 storeys in height) at western end, knocking down existing garage, McDonalds etc. CAG - Conservation Advisory Group - will look at proposal.
NLCA withdrew objection to Giraffe opening hours since no residents objected.
Hearings on December 18th for the Garden and the Gloucester, for which there are objections.
Theatre group
Next outing 3rd January
Future meetings/speakers
Susie Lloyd will speak to someone from Trading Standards who was helpful and willing to speak about dealing with rogue traders etc. Sara Bragg will speak to Sarah Lewis about Transition Towns for February. For the AGM Jackie will ask Chris Horlock, who spoke well at the Kingscliffe Society about his photos of Brighton in the 1960s. Agreed to ask Ian Davey about finding a speaker from the Council about grants or advice on home insulation etc for February or May.
Seasonal social
There followed a most enjoyable social. Our grateful thanks go to Margaret Daly and Sandy Crowhurst for organising the food, to Gabrielle Villermet and Jackie Fuller for organising the raffle and prizes, and to Henry Law for running the excellent photo quiz. Also thanks to many local businesses who donated raffle prizes - including Donatello's, David's Books, Cocovino, Pokeno Pies, the North Laine Traders' Association - and other anonymous donors...
This page was added on 07/03/2008.