Covent Garden London

2009 Way Forward Meeting

LOOKING AHEAD

Once again, Freemasons’ Hall was the splendid venue of our yearly event for all those who take an active interest in our area. In a demonstration of solidarity typical of Way Forward events, on 13 October, over 330 delegates gathered in the Grand Temple with the shared belief that we can only achieve collective success by working together as a community. In attendance were senior representatives from local businesses, major stakeholders, politicians, emergency service professionals, community groups and residents. In this company, seeds of growth are sown and nourished by such a range of allied professionalism.

THE FORMAL MEETING

Nigel Brown, Grand Secretary at Freemasons’ Hall, warmly welcomed delegates with an overview of the spectacular building. Each of those on the top table spoke with erudite clarity about their own areas of concern and fielded questions from the floor with candour and authority. Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council spoke first and touched on the council’s “living city” ethos. Colin’s counterpart at London Borough of Camden, Cllr Keith Moffitt, spoke of the broad remit of councils to work in partnership for common benefit. Keith also raised the point about all the work happening on the streetscape, after which Richard Parry, MD of London Underground updated the delegates about the continuing work at street level for the new Tottenham Court Road Station and Crossrail.

Keynote speaker, Gwyn Miles, Director of Somerset House spoke about the distinguished history of this great building between the Strand and the Thames. Gwyn also outlined Somerset House’s plans for the future which, in keeping with the spirit of the event, include further involvement with Covent Garden and the West End.

After this, our proactive Chair Linky Trott invited questions from the floor which included a proposal to regenerate the Covent Garden Festival from Peter Scutt, questions about air conditioning on the tube network from Steve Ord, Sarum Colourview and a comment from Paul Church about the councils’ attitudes towards licensing issues. Cllr Angela Hooper, The Right Worshipful the Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster praised Kim Church for his legacy garnered over many years in Covent Garden. She spoke of how Kim gathered people from all walks of life together to support a cause and how his organisation is “a fine example of teamwork between businesses, residents and visitors”. Ray Green, Chairman of Jubilee Market Hall then closed the meeting by reading a moving tribute to Kim, the end of which can be seen opposite.

DRINKS AND CANAPÉS RECEPTION

Afterwards, the 330 delegates had the opportunity to discuss business and topics of relevance in the vestibule of Freemasons’ Hall with drinks and canapés generously supplied by some of Covent Garden’s best restaurants. This was a good opportunity to talk over important issues of common concern and there was a great deal of networking taking place with cards swapped and new business alliances cemented. Many delegates were interested in the exhibits (top right) from a number of influential local organisations, which added to the sense of community, displaying plans for the future and the impacts of these on Covent Garden. Such is the outreach of this yearly meeting, plans are already underway for next year’s Way Forward event, see below.

THANKS

Our thanks to Hallgarten Druitt for providing the delicate wines (Malbec and Torrontes from the Michel Torino Coleccion) and the following member restaurants for diverse canapés:  Hispaniola Bar & Restaurant, Mela Restaurant, Mon Plaisir , Sarastro Restaurant, Simone’s Patisserie, Simpson’s-in-the-Strand . The Way Forward could not have been successful without the support of sponsors and members. Our particular thanks to the top table speakers for giving up their time and to everyone who attended. Our thanks also to the business members who supported the Way Forward in other ways: Angela Mortimer , Covent Garden London , Freemasons’ Hall , Hallgarten Druitt , KallKwik Printing - Centrepoint , Majestic Wine Warehouse, Sway , Westminster City Council.

WAY FORWARD 2010

Plans are already underway for the 10th Way Forward for Covent Garden meeting which will be on Tuesday 12 October 2010 at Freemasons’ Hall. If you have any suggestions, improvements or comments for next year, please contact Helen Phillippo on 020 7240 9731 or email helen.p@coventgarden.uk.com.

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