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ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE 2008
The Cliftonville Partnership was started in February 2004 by Liz Hammocks (formerly Howard), proprietor of The Secret Garden Florist. Prior to this, many years before, the community support group for the businesses was called Northdown Road Traders.Following the original consultation carried out with businesses during November/December 2005, the analysis revealed that the main areas to pursue regarding application for funding were:-
Since then, a great deal of progress has been achieved with several funding applications successfully submitted throughout 2007 to the Safer, Stronger Communities Fund for both summer and winter floral displays, a Christmas tree with white LED lighting, decorative blue and white LED lighting for the columns in Northdown Road between Aldi and Tesco and white LED String Lighting for 2 trees, one outside of St Paul's Church and the other outside of HSBC. Renewal Grants were also obtained to enable the lighting and hanging basket projects to be completed and close work maintained with the Environmental Action Programme Manager and Renewal Area Officer at TDC.
Following the required testing, it was reported by Kent Highways that some of the columns required renewal. In view of this, the decision was made that all the lights be installed back to back for the interim period before the works are completed, in order to give a colourful display for Christmas 2007 and the following winter months. Kent Highways have confirmed they will undertake the additional work during this financial year. On completion of this, each column will have one light affixed which will not only give a beautiful display but will also provide additional security for the area.
Two events were also organised in November and December 2007 respectively, namely, The 'Switch On' at St Paul's Church with support from Rev Patrick Ellisdon and Will Wollen with the Theatre Royal Margate pantomime cast and 'Christmas in Cliftonville' held along Northdown Road, both which were attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Margate, who spent considerable time visiting the businesses and talking to the shoppers. The Christmas Event included a Santa's Grotto and Prize Draw, which was organised by Anne Smith and held at Soul Presence, Street Entertainment by Starose Theatre Co, Holy Trinity & St John's Church of England Primary School Choir, Thanet Concert Brass Band and African Drumming from Jambo Africa as well as participation and support from many businesses and other individuals.
In order to continue the 'Greener Cliftonville' theme, rooted Christmas trees with white LED lights were also purchased from a Christmas Tree Farm and sold to businesses to enable them to be displayed outside their premises, which instantly raised the ethos of the road.
The LED string lighting was installed in April 2008 and will be connected at the end of November this year, ready for the festive season.
Due to the 66% increase in parking charges on 1 April, a petition was organised and 1,097 signatures were collected. This was presented to the Full Council Meeting in July and Damien Cooke of Cooke & Co gave a 3 minute presentation on behalf of the businesses. A meeting will be held in the near future between Sandy Ezekiel, Anne Smith, Damien Cooke and Pamela Pople in order to discuss this matter further.
A second petition was also organised to support the SSCF-funded Community Wardens in Margate Central and Cliftonville West and 1,137 signatures were collected. This was also presented to the Full Council Meeting but without representation as assurances had been previously given from Sandy Ezekiel, Leader and Mark Richardson, Safety Partnership Manager at TDC, that these 2 Wardens will not be removed from their designated areas.
Two new projects were launched in September, one being our new Website, kindly designed by Pixel Circus, which lists all the Members of The Cliftonville Partnership with links to their own websites and also markets the area of Cliftonville, raising awareness to both residents, visitors and other businesses. Businesses will have the opportunity to purchase advertising space on the website if they wish.
The other project is an Environmentally-friendly one - Jute Shopping Bags, printed with the slogan: CLIFTONVILLE BAGS OF SHOPPING. These are neutral-coloured bags with the lettering and side panels and short handles in racing green. The aims of this project are to encourage businesses and shoppers to replace plastic bags whilst also promoting Cliftonville businesses. This project was organised with the assistance of Tony Strange of Thornton Bobby. 500 bags have been ordered initially. For further information contact Pamela Pople.
The 'Switch On' of Christmas tree lights will this year be held on Friday, 28th November at St Paul's Church.
This year's Christmas Event will be held on Saturday, 6 December from 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs and will aim to involve the whole community and bring Cliftonville to life. If interested in participating, please contact Pamela Pople. The more, the merrier!
WHO PAYS FOR THE FLORAL DISPLAYS & LIGHTING COSTS?
To enable us to continue to have the Floral Display projects during summer and winter and the Decorative blue and white LED Lighting in Northdown Road, it is essential that the Membership of The Cliftonville Partnership is not only maintained but increased. A proportion of each Member's annual subscription pays for the running costs of the Hanging Basket Projects, which includes the planting, watering and maintenance.
In addition to this, many businesses have also pledged money to go towards the running costs of the lights during the winter months and additional pledges are still needed from either new businesses in the area or from those who have not yet contributed.
These projects assist to raise the ethos of Cliftonville which in turn makes it a brighter, safer place in which to live, work and play.