Website Leader  Dec 21st 2011

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT, ALFIE…

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH  to remember, that was the title of a song associated with a film of that name. You’ll be pleased to know that I am not trying to flog a cover version of it as a download – I wouldn’t be that cruel! (Neither am I expecting an answer from anyone of that name even if there is one in the Chamber!)

 Deprived of the name “Alfie” that must be the most asked questions about the Hayle & District Chamber of Commerce. Even Members come to me to know the true answer of the HCC Grail. “Well, what could I say” they complain, “‘cause what do we do – what are we?” and they all go off in search of some magic answer and the meaning of life! The answer is simple, the answer is in our letter heading, the answer is not clever or witty, in fact it’s rather urbane. We are –

 A UNION OF SMALL BUSINESSES

And we have been since 1948! Still confused? Ok – let’s make it simple. Let’s imagine you as a Member of the “Tea Stirrers and Belly Scratcher’s Union”. You pay your “dues” so you expect your Rep and the TSBSU to protect you. You feel safe that someone’s going to stick up for you, that with all of you together, “they” will have to listen to you. No-one pushes the unions around! You got problems? You talk to your union at once – they’ll sort it out! You’s part of the union so you got mates!  Course you’ll do each other a favour – know what I mean?! There’ll be union meetings where you’ll get the latest about what the old firm are trying to do an’ you’ll get to vote on it! After all, we’re all in this together! What could be better to protect the working man than a union, I ask you! Now imagine yourself a Member of Hayle Chamber of Commerce – where’s the difference?

 Now imagine you asked Bob Crowe or even the Leader of the TSBSU “what’s in it for me?” Don’t you think they’d at the very least ignore you or get two assistants to drop you off from the nearest platform? So why the ****** do people ask that of Hayle Chamber of Commerce?!

 But don’t let’s spoil what was an enjoyable evening recently when we put on a Buffet at our Members, the Tyringham Arms, for an Awards Evening to congratulate the best Seasonal Dressed Businesses. All on the Chamber with a free coach service. And I’m sure we’ll have a great evening again at our AGM & Dinner in March – that is if we don’t go on a brewery visit or a wine tasting first!

But, of course, there’s nothing in the Chamber for YOU!

 And if you’re all that worried about paying for all the above at 11p a day perhaps I should be dismissing you with a “Humbug!” instead of wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!!

Jeremy Joslin