The new Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce committee: Tony Stocks, Tom Hanula, Phil Hitchins, Paul Russell, Sally McGreal, Rhonda Welsh, Julie Bermau, Nigel Fitton, and front Harry Hutchison, Marylyn Gilberthorpe, and Emil Sawiris. 34795 Picture: Garry Howe
By Jade Lawton
THE Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce has experienced its biggest shake-up in years, with only three of the 11 committee members staying on for another term.
The changeover, at the BVCC’s annual general meeting on Monday night, happened as Mr Hutchinson defended the chamber’s stance on a controversial development on Lyall Road, which caused some division within the group.
Members Harry Hutchinson, Rhonda Welsh and Paul Russell were joined by many new faces.
Mr Hutchinson, who was again elected president, said the new committee was a mix of old and new, north and south-side traders.
“It is the biggest shake-up we’ve had – only three members of a possible 11 stayed on, but I think it’s a good thing; they all have their own fantastic ideas,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“I decided to stay on because the committee is so enthusiastic, and any leader has really got to appreciate that.”
In his address, president Harry Hutchinson thanked the committee, particularly departing vice-president Annette Aldersea, for their hard work over the past year.
Mrs Aldersea did not attend the meeting or stand for re-election to the position, which was filled by newcomer Emil Sawiris.
Mr Hutchinson also thanked Edrington Ward councillors Simon Curtis and Daniel Mulino for their support, and Casey’s business support officer Geraldine Albrecht, who he described as a ‘pillar of strength.’
“It has been a very interesting year,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“With the Lyall Road issue it was interesting to see how the community sees us in general. Residents are our customers, but we are a business group, and as a business group we are about development. We desperately need development in the City of Casey, particularly Berwick, however we need to look after residents as well,” he said.
“Some members were unhappy we took a stance (on the issue) but I am happy we did, as we supported our customers.”
Mr Hutchinson said development on Lyall Road would happen in the future, and he hoped the Harmon Group would work in harmony with the BVCC to develop something more fitting for Berwick Village.
The chamber was also hugely successful in reducing the waste collection charges for traders, with some paying up to 50 per cent less than last year.
Mr Hutchinson said a further reduction – possibly of another 50 per cent – was possible if traders ‘did the right thing’ by flattening cardboard boxes and separating their rubbish.
“Things are looking good in the village,” Mr Hutchinson said.
The BVCC ran at a loss for the financial year, but this was attributed to the many new activities that had been introduced.
The chamber has also obtained a new meeting place, in Paternoster Lane, where they will have access to a meeting room and projector.
The new committee consists of Harry Hutchinson, president; Emil Sawiris, vice-president; Paul Hitchins, secretary; Paul Russell, treasurer; Nigel Fitton, public officer; Marylyn Gilberthorpe, solicitor; and general committee members Tony Stocks, Tom Hanula, Sally McGreal, Rhonda Welsh, Julie Bermau, and Gilda Magana.
“We have a really exciting committee – a lot of new blood, people on the committee for the first time. Who wouldn’t want to be the president?” Mr Hutchinson said.
