TrustNews Sep 20
Chairman's Jottings
One of the problems we have with the Trust is the lack of representatives on the council of younger age groups. We therefore often get accused of wishing to preserve Winchester in aspic and not accepting that it has to evolve with new, fresh ideas, new buildings, and ways of improving the city’s economic success. It seems to be considered that this attitude towards presentation is represented by the older members of Winchester society and is not necessarily representing the younger age groups attitude as to how Winchester should evolve.
I personally do not believe that it is correct to think that the majority of retirement age people consider that the preservation of Winchester’s historic background has to be kept at all costs and therefore refuse to accept progress. Equally, it is an incorrect assumption to consider that younger age groups wish to see progress regardless of consideration towards place and context. In fact, my experience of dealing with young generations is that in many ways they are more radical in their thinking towards how development and movement is concerned, than the older generations. Nevertheless, l have even been surprised by how aligned ideas are across all generations concerning Winchester and the way in which the City should evolve.
I think that it is generally recognised that there is a responsibility towards respecting an historic City that has evolved over hundreds of years with buildings, roads, and spaces reflecting this history. It is also generally recognised that the City has to continue evolving by adding our story to the mix, but at the same time always honouring the past which is the city's primary asset.
On behalf of all members of the Trust and particularly the Council l would like to thank Mary Tiles for all the work she has done for us. Mary has been the overall chair of P.A.G. for a number of years and has informed us that she is moving to another area of the country. This is a great loss to us for Mary has undertaken this job with enthusiasm and expertise. Not only that, but she has kept us, the Trust Council, well informed with the latest twists and turns of planning legislation that are likely to affect the City. So, thank you Mary, for all that you have done for the City of Winchester Trust and we all wish you the very best for the next episode of your life.
We have just been informed that Christmas Cards this year may be sold via a company that is likely to charge 30% on the card sales. Together with the printing costs, this would wipe out most of the profit. We are currently debating whether to handle this ‘in house’. We will be informing everyone of a decision before we go or if we go to print!