Chairman's Report

Thirty years on and we are still here! And still going strong! Well done CGCA.

The church service at St Pauls, Covent Garden, was well attended, and although, sadly, I was unable to be present, I understand that it was a great celebration. The early years were so well recalled by Austin Williams, John Toomey, Grace Cook and the inimitable Jim Monahan and I gather my son Crispin's efforts to read my words were well received.

No one could have foreseen at the CGCA's inception the vast changes that have taken place in Covent Garden, many positive, good and visionary, and, sadly, many ill thought out and detrimental to the area. It is thanks to their early work, perception and vision that the good outweighs the bad, and there are still many aspects of the area that have been retained and enhanced. The quote, "we are rapidly becoming victims of our own success", cannot decry the real beauty of Covent Garden that should, through our efforts, be retained forever.

On the negative side, some of the planning decisions have been indefensible - St Pauls Hospital being one. It still rankles that Camden ignored their own UDP, providing no gain and much loss to those residents who live on three sides of the site. Tony Blair's words about regenerating the inner city by building more housing and stable communities, appears to have been ignored by Camden's planning decision, and must surely come back to haunt them.

On the positive side, the CGCA has naturally grown and changed with the times over the last 30 years, during which period its original purpose still stands. The many people who have given enthusiasm and energy to the Executive Committees have respected and honoured our constitution. The CGCA is deeply indebted to all those who have given so freely of their time, none of which would have been so successful without the input of a succession of dedicated Co-ordinators, in particular John Bos, a shining example who constantly proves his worth.

We have good cause to be proud of the CGCA and celebrate its many successes. With your continued support, I believe we can embrace our future with the same energy and enthusiasm that is the very essence of the CGCA.

Jo Weir

Covent Garden Community Association Annual Report 2000-2001

 

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