Notes from Open Meeting
Dear Friends of the Riser
At short notice we had a pleasant meeting this morning under the new awning in the Riser’s back garden.
The grass was immaculate due to Roger’s efforts and the banner was up, thanks to some very supportive neighbours and a few bits of borrowed timber. Bruce’s skill at hedge cutting with Don and I were banging up the banner was truly a wonder.
The following were my agenda notes so you can see what was covered.
Introduction
Much has happened since we gathered last Saturday – a superb website, leaflet drops, 2 steering group meetings and huge effort to spread our message. I am an exhibitions man – used to deadlines and getting a message over – we are doing it.
There’s a movement now against a proposed Hypermarket, not so long back we prevented the A24 from banging through this area. This issue with the Riser is no less important to the local residents.
The Riser nestles in our community – the huge Flamingo casino hotel in Los Vegas says the same in their blurb, but in this case it’s true. Many of us use the Riser – it is a local facility.
Those neighbours that don’t do pubs should be concerned as to what now might happen. David and Ruth have built up a unique establishment, relaxed and trouble free – will Young’s maintain that?
On the subject of our hosts. This has been a body blow to them – they are reeling but now we have won some extra time. We need David and Ruth to gather their thoughts and prepare themselves for some critical meetings with Young’s next week.
Give Ruth and her staff space. Channel expressions of sympathy and help through the website or with your steering group. You won’t stop Dave openly expanding on all options but try and keep such discussions away from the bar – this is why we are out here (in the garden).
Before introducing a few people that have been working tirelessly in key areas of our campaign I emphasised what we are trying to achieve.
We want to preserve the Status Quo. We are working to influence Young’s and David that it is in their best interests to find a way that keeps the special nature of our Rising Sun.
Contributions then from the following
Jeff spoke on his contact with Young’s and his work reaching many institutions and the Young’s network with his message.
Simon outlined the work of the media group, on their behalf, and that they are primed to act as soon as the direction is more clear – probably after Tuesday.
Dave Williams and Martin Roberts arrived it time to outline progress, the website and for Dave to receive our appreciation of what he’s done. Dave reinforced the need to keep the fight going and to recognise what has been achieved, in particular gaining time from Young’s.
Dave Roberts was grabbed and forced to speak (never difficult), he once again expressed Ruth and his appreciation of what we were doing – and made a convincing pitch to sell his battle bangers.
Then we had John Norman of Camra arrive, having braved the traffic and abandoning his bus to walk much of the way. He was very supportive, fielded many questions and hoped we might use their presence at the Kingston beer fest in a couple of weeks to push our cause. He also drew attention to the link between our site and theirs.
Much more was talked over but I can’t remember it all – we then broke up for a photo shoot under the banner.
Thanks to all those that came, sorry others couldn’t – Tuesday is the next milestone; in the meantime keep the pressure on, contact any person or organisation that may or should be interested. Keep providing material for the website so it stays dynamic.
Geoff Virgo
Chair
10 June 2006
At short notice we had a pleasant meeting this morning under the new awning in the Riser’s back garden.
The grass was immaculate due to Roger’s efforts and the banner was up, thanks to some very supportive neighbours and a few bits of borrowed timber. Bruce’s skill at hedge cutting with Don and I were banging up the banner was truly a wonder.
The following were my agenda notes so you can see what was covered.
Introduction
Much has happened since we gathered last Saturday – a superb website, leaflet drops, 2 steering group meetings and huge effort to spread our message. I am an exhibitions man – used to deadlines and getting a message over – we are doing it.
There’s a movement now against a proposed Hypermarket, not so long back we prevented the A24 from banging through this area. This issue with the Riser is no less important to the local residents.
The Riser nestles in our community – the huge Flamingo casino hotel in Los Vegas says the same in their blurb, but in this case it’s true. Many of us use the Riser – it is a local facility.
Those neighbours that don’t do pubs should be concerned as to what now might happen. David and Ruth have built up a unique establishment, relaxed and trouble free – will Young’s maintain that?
On the subject of our hosts. This has been a body blow to them – they are reeling but now we have won some extra time. We need David and Ruth to gather their thoughts and prepare themselves for some critical meetings with Young’s next week.
Give Ruth and her staff space. Channel expressions of sympathy and help through the website or with your steering group. You won’t stop Dave openly expanding on all options but try and keep such discussions away from the bar – this is why we are out here (in the garden).
Before introducing a few people that have been working tirelessly in key areas of our campaign I emphasised what we are trying to achieve.
We want to preserve the Status Quo. We are working to influence Young’s and David that it is in their best interests to find a way that keeps the special nature of our Rising Sun.
Contributions then from the following
Jeff spoke on his contact with Young’s and his work reaching many institutions and the Young’s network with his message.
Simon outlined the work of the media group, on their behalf, and that they are primed to act as soon as the direction is more clear – probably after Tuesday.
Dave Williams and Martin Roberts arrived it time to outline progress, the website and for Dave to receive our appreciation of what he’s done. Dave reinforced the need to keep the fight going and to recognise what has been achieved, in particular gaining time from Young’s.
Dave Roberts was grabbed and forced to speak (never difficult), he once again expressed Ruth and his appreciation of what we were doing – and made a convincing pitch to sell his battle bangers.
Then we had John Norman of Camra arrive, having braved the traffic and abandoning his bus to walk much of the way. He was very supportive, fielded many questions and hoped we might use their presence at the Kingston beer fest in a couple of weeks to push our cause. He also drew attention to the link between our site and theirs.
Much more was talked over but I can’t remember it all – we then broke up for a photo shoot under the banner.
Thanks to all those that came, sorry others couldn’t – Tuesday is the next milestone; in the meantime keep the pressure on, contact any person or organisation that may or should be interested. Keep providing material for the website so it stays dynamic.
Geoff Virgo
Chair
10 June 2006
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