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2008 Way Forward Meeting
THE WAY FORWARD FOR COVENT GARDEN PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
On 14 October, more than 320 stakeholders came together in a demonstration of solidarity and concern at the seventh Way Forward for Covent Garden event. Freemasons’ Hall was a fitting venue for another most successful meeting; those who arrived at the meeting promptly enjoyed an exclusive private viewing in the Library and Museum of Freemasonry.
THE FORMAL MEETING
The Way Forward for Covent Garden 2008 was opened by our guest of honour, the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Louise Hyams, after which Linky Trott, Chair of the meeting and the Covent Garden Business Forum introduced the top table. In his welcoming speech, John Hamill, Director of Communications at the United Grand Lodge told us that the Freemasons’ Hall has been used as a venue for various film crews, in particular the BBC drama series Spooks in which it doubles for the top-secret MI5 building (which incidentally is not open to the public, whereas Freemasons’ Hall is). John spoke of Freemasons’ Hall’s accessibility and keenness to engage with the Covent Garden community, which is tantamount to the sense of community togetherness encapsulated by the Way Forward for Covent Garden events.
Delegates listened with interest to two speeches on this year’s theme Past, Present and Future. Debbie Moore, Founder and Chairman of Pineapple Dance Studios (which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year) gave a fascinating insight speaking also of her passion for Covent Garden and its importance for dancers around the world. Ray Green, Chairman of Jubilee Market Hall, gave a compelling speech about the development of Covent Garden concentrating on the more recent history from 1974 to the present day. Ray told of past triumphs where the community rallied together to overcome adversity and stressed the importance of working together as a community and not forgetting the past. He emphasised how we have “a duty to respect the past and to be responsible guardians for the future, so that those who follow us can enjoy it too”.
Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of London Borough of Camden and Richard Parry, Director of Strategy and Service Development at London Underground each gave an account of progress in their areas of responsibility with particular emphasis on Covent Garden. The speeches were followed by an open forum where delegates commented on areas of interest and concern to themselves and to Covent Garden
EXHIBITS
Reiterating this year’s theme Past, Present and Future (and the spirit of the Way Forward meetings) were a number of key organisations within our community who displayed their plans for the future and the direct impacts of these plans on Covent Garden. Delegates had the opportunity to view exhibits and to talk to senior representatives from London Underground, the Metropolitan Police, London Borough of Camden, Westminster City Council, Covent Garden London, Thames Water, the Cross-River Partnership, City Lit, St Clement Danes Primary School and Atkins Design Environment and Engineering. The displays gave information on enhancing or celebrating Covent Garden. Delegates came away loaded with take-away goodies and information about issues affecting individual and businesses concerns.
DRINKS AND CANAPÉS RECEPTION
After the formal meeting, delegates were delighted to taste some canapés provided by a distinguished list of In and Around Covent Garden member restaurants. The variety and quality of the canapés on offer was testament to the support and generosity of the member restaurants and the speed with which they were consumed proves their popularity. Browns Bar & Brasserie, Chez Gérard Restaurant, Mela, Mon Plaisir, Simpson’s-in-the Strand and The Terrace supplied the delicacies for delegates to sample as they mingled, networked and exchanged business cards with each other and the top table guests. Hallgarten Druitt ensured no glass ran dry of the Michel Torino Malbec and Torrontés, which were the wines of choice for the evening. Click here for detailed information about the wine.
AWARD AND BUSINESS CARD DRAW
Awards in recognition of continued contributions to the wellbeing of Covent Garden were presented to Richard Niazi (represented by David Morris pictured right), Proprietor of Sarastro Restaurant for his innovation and vision in brightening up Drury Lane and Lynn Young, Publisher’s Assistant, In and Around Covent Garden for her achievements in promoting business networking. Richard and Lynn both received certificates framed by Border Line Arts and a bottle of champagne supplied by Hallgarten Druitt. It has been a lucky month for Sarastro Restaurant which also won an award in London’s Green Corners awards. Nick Potter, Commercial Property Partner at Bishop and Sewell, was the lucky winner of a meal for two at Carluccio’s in the business card draw.
THANKS
As well as the restaurants and Hallgarten Druitt, our thanks also go to Belushi’s for supplying ice, Border Line Arts for supplying frames for the awards, Covent Garden London for sponsoring the technical equipment, Hatty Blue for organisational support, Hercules Pillars for assistance with rubbish disposal, Freemasons’ Hall for use of the spectacular venue and security, Kall Kwik Centrepoint for printing and collating the delegate packs, Sway for facilities support and Westminster City Council for their contribution towards promotional costs. We would also like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening such a success.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND REPORT
Our thanks go to Spyridoula Della for the photographs on these pages. To view more photographs of the Way Forward 2008 please Click Here.
WAY FORWARD 2009
The evening was so successful that plans have already begun for next year’s event, some exhibit tables have already been booked and a number of delegates have already RSVPed for next year. The date will be 13 October 2009. The format and agenda are still to be considered and so if you have any suggestions, comments or questions please contact Helen Phillippo.