MULL & IONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of the meeting held on 5th July 2004 in Craignure Hall
PRESENT:
Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Tom Bettley,
Alan Parker,
John Cable, Derek Crook, Georgia O’Neill
APOLOGIES: Olive Brown, Jenny Smith
MINUTES: Minutes for meeting held on June 7th were amended to read: ‘Travel show: Sandy reported that he and Alan McConnochie had attended …….’ Minutes then proposed by Tom and seconded by John
MATTERS ARISING:
Constitution Sandy suggested that the previously formed sub-committee (Sandy, Michael & Georgia) should hold a tele-meet to discuss this issue. Board members were asked to read the draft constitution prepared by James Hilder and direct any comments to the sub-committee.
Publicity It was agreed to send dates of the Chamber’s meetings to Am Muileach as well as R & A
Island Forum No update received from Pat Logan. This matter will be postponed until Pat sends report.
Membership Renewals are now coming in. Georgia reported that it was difficult to tell whether standing order mandates had been processed. <Tom> will look at how we can get more information about this from the bank. Sandy thought that some people whose memberships had lapsed over recent years may not realise they were no longer members. <Sandy> will write an article for newspaper about joining (or rejoining?) the Chamber.
Transport Ferry Committee. Michael reported that the Chamber’s proposed alterations to Transport Strategy had been accepted at the latest Ferry Committee meeting.
Tob/Salen Road. Michael reported on that he attended a very positive meeting in Salen about the next stage of upgrading the road. Those present had the opportunity to look at maps that outlined proposed routes for the road.
Change of weight restrictions. Sandy had received correspondence from Jim Mather MSP. Mr Mather has contacted MPs about concerns over restricting the weight of vehicles on Mull’s roads, suggesting that the infrastructure of our road network should be improved rather than restrictions being imposed because of poor road quality.
CalMac. Sandy had received correspondence from George Lyon MSP outlining improvements to service that CalMac will be instigating. These include improving communications (electronic displays, monitors etc.) at Oban Ferry Terminal. Michael expressed concern about provisions for passengers in the event of gangway failure. Alan suggested that the Chamber give positive feedback to CalMac about the improvements that have already been made. <Sandy> will email a list of these points to <Georgia> and <Alan> who will compose a letter to CalMac.
Driving on Mull Initiative. Georgia asked how this scheme was progressing as she is working on material for the website about driving on single track roads. Sandy reported that the leaflets were still in production.
Green Tourism John suggested that all board members recruit someone to sign up for the new Mull Eco Charter. <Georgia> will put details of the charter onto the website and email members with details of the scheme.
Renewable Energy Forum
John had attended the inaugural meeting of the Forum. He has compiled a questionnaire for Chamber members to complete so that, as the Chamber’s representative at this forum, he can assess what our members think about all aspects of renewable energy. He also requested that another board member be his deputy in case he is unable to attend any forum meetings. <Georgia> will email the questionnaire to members (to be returned by 21st July).
Private Hire Vehicle Licensing
The Chamber’s newest member, Arthur Brown of ‘Discover Mull’, has approach the Chamber for advice and support regarding a ruling which bans private hire vehicles from displaying a business logo. It was decided that advice might be available from Glasgow Chamber of Commerce legal services. <Michael> will contact Arthur about approaching Glasgow Chamber with his problem and will ask for feedback about the service he receives.
WEBSITE: Mullchamber.org is not being satisfactorily hosted by Freezone. <Georgia> will look into transferring the site to cali.co.uk. Information about the Renewable Energy Forum and the Mull Eco Charter will be added to the site.
TREASURER: Tom reported a balance of £3,837.60 and confirmed that the Chamber had paid its part share of costs for the Travel Expo.
SECRETARY: Correspondence sent to the Chamber this month was given to Sandy. Georgia bought a rather fetching new notebook for minute taking.
AOCB: -
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Monday 2nd August 2004 in Craignure Hall at 8.00pm
