Chairman's Report

Covent Garden has continued to witness as many changes in the last year as it always has. Some shocking, such as the fire in Earlham Street, with the closure of the Community Centre, which it is hoped will soon reopen. Some exciting, such as the new development of housing in Stukeley Street with three local families being rehoused. How rare is that? Some emotional, at least I thought so, seeing in the new Millennium with half London on the Embankment. Some disappointing, such as more late night licenses being granted and some indefensible, such as the redevelopment of St. Paul's Hospital which should have been housing. Nice one, Camden, especially in view of the major housing shortage and the alleged attempt to improve our inner cities!

We celebrated some new arrivals but we have lost some dear local friends which leaves a big gap in our lives. We did, as you know, face financial disaster and would have closed at Christmas had it not been for your remarkable and truly generous response to our plea for help. Not only did this enable us to continue our work, it also gave us a feeling of enormous encouragement to know how much you care about what we do. It was a reaffirmation, if you like, that we are on the right course and that we must continue.

The longer you live and work in Covent Garden, the more you appreciate and understand its unique village atmosphere and quality. In spite of the continuous noise, pollution, rubbish, beggars, illegal traders and minicabs, almost non-stop building works and those endless shop refurbishments (generally over a weekend!), this community of residents and businesses still thrives socially and commercially. The mix of residents and businesses is, what has, does and always will make, Covent Garden an enormously special place.

As usual, we are truly indebted to John Bos, whose work as our co-ordinator goes from strength to strength; to Robert Clark, our volunteer who does countless tasks for us and is generous with his time, and to the committee, many of whom have shown great commitment and with whom I have enjoyed working.

Thank you again for your encouraging support and let's hope, especially with a new Mayor for London, we can continue to live and work in this remarkable Covent Garden with a better environment and a brighter future.

Jo Weir

 

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