Herne Hill Velodrome Closure Threat - Save the Velodrome!

Yep, good turnout - managed to cram in at the back upstairs with the LMNH mob. Pledge made, and it seems like they're well on the way. Good to see some familiar faces... even if you didn't recognise me Clive ;)

ah, that well known cyclist Steven Fry is on the case, bound to be a win ;-)

Don't wanna jinx the campaign, but... I don't see a problem... Everyone, including Dulwich Estates*, seems to be pulling in the same direction... Amazing turnout, great to see so many familiar faces...

• Hmmm...
  

^+1. Just seemed to need some commitment to finances, which was easily assured this evening.
(BTW think i was sitting to your left Sir Teen!)

brilliant turn out. well done all. keep the + vibes, i liked it alot tonight.

Something that struck me was how they mentioned that over 3,000 people had joined their Facebook page. If everyone who signed up donated a mere £30 annually (which given the awesomeness of the place is not much dorra) that would bring in £90K. £20k more than they said they needed annually for £30.

Obviously they need more commitment beyond just one year, but judging by the amazing turn out and FB support... it does seem entirely feasible that this can happen :)

Odd question, the money pledged by southwark council wheres it coming from (such as which departmental budget) Over what period of time is it being made?

Something that struck me was how they mentioned that over 3,000 people had joined their Facebook page. If everyone who signed up donated a mere £30 annually (which given the awesomeness of the place is not much dorra) that would bring in £90K. £20k more than they said they needed annually for £30.

Obviously they need more commitment beyond just one year, but judging by the amazing turn out and FB support... it does seem entirely feasible that this can happen :)

3,728 at the moment, just exactly what I thought Sniffy.
A good turn out tonight 450-550 people?
Things do look more positive this time, a few years ago the 'Friends of Herne Hill' started and was mainly a band of cyclists, this fight seems to include a good proportion of local Herne Hill/Dulwich residents as well it could be enough to tip the balance in the tracks favour.

Odd question, the money pledged by southwark council wheres it coming from (such as which departmental budget) Over what period of time is it being made?

Probably what they should have spent on the place before they let it run down to it's current state :(

^Lynx Does it matter which dept?
They put it across as a lump sum 'donation' if i recall correctly.

^Fixedwheelnut i was also impressed by the council turn out and the residents support. Shame about Dulwich estates

Judging by the boo they got for not turning up it probably wasn't a bad thing as it could have ended up in a slanging match which wouldn't be productive.
Hilary Peach seems quite sensible and is right about just looking forward.

For sure.

^Lynx Does it matter which dept?
They put it across as a lump sum 'donation' if i recall correctly.

^Fixedwheelnut i was also impressed by the council turn out and the residents support. Shame about Dulwich estates

Am preoccupied that the statement is one to win head lines and no real monies comes out of it. Especially as LA are cutting budgets.

I love the velodrome, its a great place.

I can understand you cynicism. There was a lot of money offered by most of the folk there too regardless of the quantity. For sure though, some of it won't materialize. But there is a lot of positive things going on and we have to follow through with it. We can only hope that most of the promises made this evening will stick.

The team behind this campaign have done a sterling job so far IMO. Hats off to them.
We wouldn't be having this conversation without them.

Yes that is very true hats off to the people in the campaign.

What I meant by real money is new money that the council are actually spending and not already having to spend/committed or having obtained from other sources such as other dedicated bodies.

Peter Cattermolle of VCL deserves praise as well as they have done a great job of keeping the track going so far.

Great meeting but there's surely something rotten in the state of denmark with the Dulwich Estates lack of representation. I hope it's merely to save face on their capitulation.

Those kids were awesome.

And also, epicly (I know, not a word) good placement from the polo representative on getting the first additional activity shout.

Bugger, fell asleep on the sofa.
Sounds it was well enough attended though.

it seems they should hire some consultants to come up with a business plan that DE will agree to and that's it.

what is happening to VCL's involvement if it goes ahead? they weren't on the list of work between DE, charitable trust and BCF which seemed odd.

A "friends of HH Velodrome" charity with donors getting their names on a plaque/in a book/discounts/first dibs on seats/tickets could work very well. I've been concerned that HH would get closed after Stratford opens since we won the olympic bid. Here's to keeping it open and invested in.

Don't wanna jinx the campaign, but... I don't see a problem... Everyone, including Dulwich Estates*, seems to be pulling in the same direction... Amazing turnout, great to see so many familiar faces...

• Hmmm...
  

I couldn't hear what DE were saying through the video link. The problem is that they only grant one year leases so the council can't get funding etc. Have they pledged to change this?

I couldn't hear what DE were saying through the video link. The problem is that they only grant one year leases so the council can't get funding etc. Have they pledged to change this?

I imagine the meeting notes will all be up on the web soon, but yes, DE said they will grant a longer lease if a business plan is put forward which looks sustainable.

it seems they should hire some consultants to come up with a business plan that DE will agree to and that's it.

what? wankers in suits with clipboards trying to look busy and justify their fee?

it just needs those already involved in running activities at the club to work out what activities are going to be run, what immediate repair work and future repair work needs to be done and the costs involved over the length of the lease. then what funding is available.
it's not rocket science.

Umm, try telling that to Sport England. I've just got funding out of them for a national scheme. Any bid to a quango / national grant giving body will involve a BP.